The Federal Government has directed the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) to transition fully to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for all examinations by 2026.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made this announcement on Monday while monitoring the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) alongside Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) officials in Bwari, Abuja.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), over 2 million candidates are currently sitting for examinations across more than 800 centres nationwide.
Alausa explained that starting from November 2024, WAEC and NECO would begin administering their objective tests through CBT. By May or June 2026, the full transition—including both objective and essay components—will be complete.
“If JAMB can successfully conduct CBT exams for over 2.2 million candidates, WAEC and NECO can achieve the same,” Alausa stated. “Implementing CBT fully will help eliminate exam malpractice.”
He also revealed that a committee is reviewing examination standards across the country, with a report expected next month.
Meanwhile, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, addressed concerns about exam scheduling and logistics. He clarified that UTME examinations traditionally start at 8:00 a.m., requiring candidates to arrive by 6:30 a.m. for accreditation.
Oloyede dismissed allegations of candidates being posted to unfamiliar exam centres, saying investigations confirmed no such incidents. He added that more than 1.6 million out of 2.03 million registered candidates had completed their exams, with around 50,000 still scheduled.
The registrar further disclosed that over 40 candidates had been arrested for various exam malpractices, including impersonation and attempting to smuggle questions with hidden cameras. He also noted that more than 41,000 registered candidates were underage.
