FG Directs WAEC, NECO to Adopt Full CBT Format by 2026
Transition Aims to Curb Examination Malpractice
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has announced that both the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) must begin conducting objective tests via Computer-Based Testing (CBT) by November 2025. By May/June 2026, both objective and essay components of these examinations are expected to fully transition to CBT in an effort to further reduce examination malpractice.
Minister’s Statement During UTME Inspection
The Minister made this declaration while inspecting the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Abuja on Monday. He emphasized that if JAMB can successfully administer CBT exams for over 2.2 million candidates nationwide, WAEC and NECO—which handle slightly fewer candidates—should also be able to implement the same system without difficulty.
Commendation for JAMB’s Examination Standards
Dr. Alausa expressed satisfaction with the ongoing UTME, praising JAMB for its high level of coordination, transparency, and integrity. He described the examination process as meeting international standards and being nearly foolproof against malpractice. He also noted that under the current administration, institutions like JAMB are allowed to operate independently and efficiently, respecting the rule of law.
Warning Against Cheating and New Committee Formation
The Minister issued a stern warning to candidates against engaging in cheating, urging them to rely on hard work for success. Additionally, he disclosed that a committee led by a professor has been established to review and recommend strategies for maintaining and improving examination quality across all levels.
JAMB Registrar Highlights Examination Framework
Professor Ishaq Oloyede, Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of JAMB, provided insights into the technical and operational framework behind the UTME administration. He revealed that JAMB processed applications from over 2,040,538 candidates seeking admission into 1,452 tertiary institutions, supported by more than 2,000 staff members and numerous ad-hoc personnel managing CBT centers nationwide.
Oloyede affirmed that JAMB’s secure and efficient processes have set a new benchmark for examinations in Nigeria, with a commitment to sustaining and improving these standards.
Credit to the original source: The Citizen