By Mark Mayah
Critical stakeholders in Nigeria’s education sector have expressed concern about the readiness of both the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) to implement Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) starting next year.
The concerns were raised during a recent virtual dialogue hosted by the Education Writers’ Association of Nigeria (EWAN), where it was revealed that both examination bodies plan to rely largely on accredited CBT centres—rather than school-based facilities—for the digital conduct of exams, in compliance with the Federal Government’s directive.
The dialogue was themed “CBT for SSCE: Is Nigeria Ready?”
With over 100 participants in attendance, the event drew a wide range of reactions, as stakeholders debated whether the nation’s current infrastructure and logistical capacity could support such a large-scale transition.
Some of the participants pointed to various systemic shortcomings—including erratic electricity supply, insufficient computer systems, unreliable internet connectivity, and the lack of physical security at many potential testing locations—as major obstacles that could undermine the smooth conduct of CBT for SSCE.
In addition to technological limitations, issues such as transportation logistics, network failures, and the vulnerability of remote centres to security threats were cited as significant challenges, particularly in rural and underserved regions.
However, the panelists—comprising the Head of National Office of WAEC, Dr Amos Dangut; the Registrar and Chief Executive of NECO, Prof Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi; and the Director of Basic and Secondary Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, Hajia Binta Abdulkadir—defended the readiness and determination of the examination bodies to adopt CBT.
Speaking at the event, Dr Dangut noted that WAEC is already testing the waters. “Some schools are currently writing the May/June exam using the CBT mode,” he said. “We are aware of the challenges, but we also know that this system offers faster resolution of issues and a stronger mechanism to curb malpractice.”
He acknowledged the infrastructural and technical limitations in many schools but maintained that, “We cannot allow our current state of readiness to stop us from embracing progress. Nigeria must move forward.”
Responding to concerns about technical glitches, Dangut referenced the recent UTME experience conducted by JAMB. “JAMB has had great success with CBT over the years. The last edition had its challenges, yes, but one setback doesn’t mean the system is flawed. There is always room for improvement.”
Prof Wushishi, NECO’s Registrar, also expressed confidence in the transition but admitted that the scale presents significant hurdles. “We administer exams in over 26,000 schools nationwide. Many lack the infrastructure needed for CBT—no computers, no reliable power. So, we cannot rely solely on schools,” he said.
“Our strategy is to work with certified CBT centres, both public and private, just like JAMB has done. Schools that meet the required standards will also be used.”
He added that NECO will begin implementation with the November/December exam for private candidates. “It’s a more manageable number. We typically have 1.3 to 1.4 million candidates in the school-based exam. This smaller group allows us to pilot effectively before scaling.”
Hajia Binta Abdulkadir of the Federal Ministry of Education reinforced the government’s commitment to digital transformation in education. “We must embrace CBT. It’s not optional if we want to meet global standards,” she said. “WAEC piloted it successfully with private candidates last year. NECO is starting this year. With commitment and collaboration, it will work.”
She encouraged stakeholders to “maximise available resources” and stressed that the transition is not just timely but necessary. “As long as we are determined, this system will work in Nigeria.”
