FG Directs WAEC, NECO to Adopt CBT for Exams

The Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa, has said that the Federal Government has directed the West African Examinations Council, WAEC, and the National Examinations Council, NECO, to commence computer-based testing, CBT, for the objective sections of the exams from November this year.

He said full CBT for both the objective and essay sections is targeted for the May/June 2026 examination cycle.

Dr Alausa stated this while monitoring the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, at the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB headquarters in Abuja.

The Minister explained that the move was to eliminate examination malpractice and encourage genuine academic effort among students.

The Minister emphasized that if JAMB could successfully administer CBT examinations to over 2.2 million candidates annually, WAEC and NECO should be able to do the same, noting that both examination bodies record fewer candidates than JAMB.

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“We are determined to eliminate examination malpractices by ensuring all exams, including practical and essay papers, migrate to CBT. If JAMB can successfully administer CBT exams for over 2.2 million candidates, then WAEC and NECO can also do it,” the minister said.

Dr Alausa, who expressed satisfaction with the standards maintained by JAMB, described the examination process as internationally benchmarked, foolproof against cheating, and carried out with the highest level of integrity, stressing that it demonstrated Nigeria’s ability to deliver credible and transparent assessments.

“I must tell you, I am extremely impressed. JAMB’s operations meet international benchmarks for examination conduct. This proves we can run credible exams here in Nigeria, reinforcing our commitment to human capital development,” he said.

The Minister also revealed that a committee led by experts has been set up to monitor and enhance examination quality nationwide, with recommendations expected by the end of next month.