The Federal Government has announced a sweeping reform in Nigeria’s education sector, revealing that the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) will now be conducted through Computer-Based Testing (CBT).
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who disclosed this via his X handle on Tuesday, September 2, described the transition as a “historic milestone” designed to restore the integrity of Nigeria’s examination system, curb widespread malpractice, and align the country with global best practices.
“For over 73 years, WAEC has remained a dependable partner in advancing education across West Africa,” Alausa noted.
“With innovations such as the Digital Examiners’ Mark Sheet, WAEC Konnect, and the Digital Certificate Platform, the Council has consistently demonstrated its commitment to progress. The shift to CBT is the next bold step.”
The minister explained that the reform is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which is driving broader transformations across the education sector — from restructuring national curricula and modernising classrooms to overhauling federal technical colleges, tertiary institutions, and medical education.
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Alausa stressed that the adoption of CBT for WASSCE is not just about technology, but about “safeguarding the credibility of our certificates and empowering the Nigerian child with the skills needed for a knowledge-driven economy.”
He assured parents, teachers, and students that the Federal Ministry of Education would work closely with schools to ensure learners are adequately prepared for the transition.
“Education is the greatest legacy we can give our children,” Alausa said. “Together, we are securing its future.”
The development marks the most radical shift in the conduct of public examinations in West Africa since WAEC’s founding in 1952, and is expected to set a new benchmark for transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s education sector.