LAGOS: The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has intensified preparations for its historic switch to a fully computer-based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in 2026, by launching a nationwide awareness campaign this week.
The campaign, which runs across all WAEC formations in Nigeria, aims to enlighten students, parents, and teachers on the upcoming digital transformation in the conduct of the Council’s flagship examination.
In Lagos, the exercise was spearheaded by staff at the WAEC Headquarters in Yaba, joined by personnel from the Ojo and Ikorodu branches.
The campaign also extended to state branches across the federation, as staff took to major streets, schools, and markets, distributing flyers and engaging the public on the significance of the transition to Computer-Based Testing (CBT).
Dressed in branded campaign vests, the enthusiastic WAEC staff marched through strategic locations to sensitize citizens on how the new system would work.
The campaign tagged WAEC Goes Digital: CBT Awareness Week, was designed to help schools, candidates, and communities understand what to expect as the Council embraces technology in examination management.
According to the Council, the awareness drive underscores WAEC’s readiness to deliver a seamless digital examination experience and to ensure that no student or school is left behind in the transition.
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A statement from the Council noted that the introduction of CBT aligns with WAEC’s mission to promote efficiency, transparency, and credibility in the conduct of examinations, while also preparing students for the demands of a digital world.
The 2026 WASSCE will mark the beginning of a new era. All objective papers will be computer-based, while theory questions will be displayed electronically in examination halls. This innovation eliminates printing delays, reduces malpractice, and enhances speed and accuracy, a senior WAEC official explained.
The Council emphasized that schools will not be compelled to purchase computers, as WAEC plans to make arrangements that ensure inclusivity.
Schools with at least 50 functional computers can volunteer to serve as CBT centres, accommodating candidates from nearby schools.
In addition, the Council said teachers supervising practical and theory sessions would undergo ICT training to ensure they are fully equipped for the digital shift.
Across various states, WAEC staff have received commendation for their proactive engagement and dedication to spreading awareness about the forthcoming digital transformation.
From Yaba to Ojo, Ikorodu, and other major cities, the campaign has drawn attention to the benefits of digital examinations including faster results, enhanced data security, and reduced examination malpractice.
The Council further assured stakeholders that challenges such as electricity and internet connectivity would be addressed through flexible arrangements that guarantee inclusivity.
Observers have praised WAEC for not only modernizing its examination process but also for taking the extra step to educate the public through direct engagement rather than mere announcements.
Education analysts describe the initiative as a landmark in West African education history, noting that it aligns with global best practices where computer-based testing has become the standard in countries such as the United States, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.
With this week’s nationwide awareness campaign, West Africa Examinations Council Nigeria (WAEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to innovation, excellence, and public service, demonstrating that it is not just keeping pace with global educational reforms but also leading the charge in Africa.
As the countdown to 2026 continues, the Council’s move is being hailed as a bold step toward equipping young Nigerians with essential digital literacy skills that will prepare them for higher education and the modern workplace.
