Cynthia Ezegwu
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has intensified its sensitisation campaign on the forthcoming Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CB-WASSCE), set to begin in 2026, as part of efforts to eliminate examination malpractice and modernise Nigeria’s education assessment system.
During a sensitisation rally in Port Harcourt, the Zonal Coordinator of WAEC, Port Harcourt Office, Adeniran Amusan, said the new hybrid model—combining both digital and manual features—will ensure a smooth transition from traditional paper-based exams to a more transparent and efficient system.
“The CB-WASSCE will address issues of logistics, late arrival of papers, and examination leakages. The computer will also time the students automatically, ensuring fairness and transparency,” Amusan explained.
He noted that objective questions will be answered digitally, while essay and practical components will remain manual to accommodate schools still developing digital infrastructure.
Amusan assured parents and students that the transition would not attract additional charges, emphasising that the innovation is designed to enhance efficiency, speed up results processing, and strengthen the credibility of WAEC’s examinations.
“The essence is not to surcharge students. The goal is faster, more reliable assessment and the elimination of logistical bottlenecks,” he added.
The WAEC official said the Council is conducting continuous sensitisation across all states to prepare students, teachers, and parents for the digital shift. He called on schools to begin early training for students on basic computer literacy to ensure a seamless experience.
According to him, the move aligns with global best practices and is intended to prepare Nigerian students for technology-driven education and future workplaces.
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While many students at the rally welcomed the development as a step toward digital transformation, some expressed concern about poor access to computers and unstable electricity in public schools. They appealed for early training and infrastructural support to enable effective participation.
Stakeholders at the event—including school principals, teachers, and parents—commended WAEC’s proactive sensitisation efforts, describing the CB-WASSCE as a bold reform that would restore integrity to public examinations and equip students with essential digital skills.
Amusan reiterated WAEC’s commitment to continuous public engagement ahead of the 2026 rollout, assuring that the Council will work closely with governments and private partners to ensure no school is left behind in the digital transition.