The West African Examinations Council has postponed the commencement of its computer-based testing version of the WASSCE to 2027, following a directive issued by the National House of Representatives to shift the conduct.

Recall, WAEC had announced it would commence the comprehensive adoption of the CBT examination system from the 2026 WASSCE.

However, the council announced on Thursday that rather than conduct a full CB-WASSCE in 2026, it will use next year to conduct the pilot test of the computer-based school examination 2026.

Binta Abdulkadir, chairman at WAEC Nigeria National Committee, disclosed that the council will begin the conduct of CB-WASSCE from 2027.

The House of Representatives had earlier directed WAEC to halt the conduct of CB-WASSCE and start the computer examination in 2030.

Abdulkadir said this year marks a significant milestone in the council’s commitment to modernising assessment to serve the Nigerian child.

“This technological evolution builds upon the success of the CB-WASSCE introduced last year, starting with the private candidates’ examination (first series, 2024). This initial rollout utilised a hybrid mode: candidates tackled the multiple-choice questions directly on the computer screen.

“I want to seize this opportunity to assure you that no candidate sitting this examination will be disenfranchised. To ensure a smooth transition to the CB-WASSCE, the council is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Education to explore options that will ensure the smooth transition,” she said.

Furthermore, she disclosed that the council recently trained students in senior secondary school on the pilot test of the use of tablets and digital styluses in responding to essay questions.

This, she said, is to ensure that they are fully prepared for the migration to the full-blown CB-WASSCE, in line with the directive of the Federal Government,” she noted.

The NNC chairman said the council is aware of the directives from the Federal Ministry of Education regarding the full migration to CB-WASSCE for the 2026 examination, which have raised concerns among stakeholders.

Besides, WAEC gave awards to outstanding students at its annual ceremony going on in Abia State.
Meanwhile, Amos Dangut, WAEC head of national office, in his address at the 2025 ceremony, said the Nigeria National Committee is the highest policy-making organ of WAEC in Nigeria, and the membership of the committee is made up of experienced and distinguished Nigerians.

Dangut emphasised that the committee ensures that the policies of the council in Nigeria are formulated and executed in the best public interest, and to guarantee the smooth conduct of WAEC’s operations in every part of the country.

He reiterated that WAEC will continue to deliver its mandate of being Africa’s foremost examining body, adding value to the educational goals of its stakeholders.

At the NNC meeting, WAEC rewarded some students in the May/June 2024 WASSCE for their outstanding performance.

The overall best in WASSCE went to Ajisafe Olamilekan, an 18-year-old student of Eemaan Foundation College, Osogbo, Osun State, with eight A1s.
The first runner-up position went to Onovo Joan, an 18-year-old student of Louisville Girls High School, Ijebu-Itele, Ogun State, with eight A1s.

The second runner-up position went to Mbah Mac-Donald, an 18-year-old student of Grundtvig International Secondary School, Oba, Anambra State, with eight A1s.

The awardees were presented with certificates, plaques, and cash awards.