The Federal Government, has reaffirmed its decision to fully transition all public examinations, including those conducted by the National Examinations Council (NECO) and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), from the traditional paper-pencil format to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) by 2026.
Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, disclosed this on in Abuja while monitoring the pilot CBT Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) organised by NECO at Sascon International School, Maitama.
According to the minister, the decision is part of ongoing reforms aimed at improving the credibility and global competitiveness of Nigeria’s education system.
He revealed that a total of 1,367,210 candidates registered for the ongoing SSCE, the highest number in the Council’s history.
Reacting to concerns over infrastructure challenges, Alausa said the Federal Government would partner with both private and public Computer-Based Test centres across the country to ensure smooth implementation of the new system.
He explained that, going forward, all NECO and WAEC exams would be conducted in approved CBT centres just like the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exams.
“We will no longer conduct NECO and WAEC in schools. Just like JAMB, candidates will sit their exams at CBT centres nationwide,” he said.
He added that the initiative would boost private investment, create employment opportunities, and promote local technology solutions.
“The CBT model will not only eliminate exam malpractices but will also encourage the growth of local technology enterprises and support job creation. We have Nigerian entrepreneurs building and managing CBT centres and digital platforms—we must support and expand this ecosystem,” he added.
The minister praised NECO’s management for the successful conduct of the pilot CBT SSCE, describing it as a strong demonstration of the Council’s readiness and commitment to digital transformation.
He said the transition would be gradual, beginning with multiple-choice (objective) questions in November 2025, before full migration to CBT—including theory papers—by 2026.
“This is the beginning of a new phase for our examination system. It shows that digital transition is possible with commitment,” he said.
Also speaking, NECO Registrar, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, expressed the Council’s readiness to adopt CBT fully, in spite of existing infrastructure limitations.
“As a professional examination body, NECO is fully prepared to conduct exams through any medium. While infrastructure challenges exist, they will not stop us from delivering on this mandate,” he said.
He called on state governments to support the initiative by investing in CBT infrastructure to make the process seamless across all states.
The NECO boss disclosed that out of the 1,367,210 registered candidates, 685,551 are male, while 681,659 are female. He also revealed that Kano State topped the chart with the highest number of registered candidates—over 137,000—while Kebbi State had the least with just over 5,000.
The smallest centre was at the Nigerian International School in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with only eight candidates.
Meanwhile, the Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Basic and Secondary Education, Senator Ekong Samson, who monitored the exams at the Model Secondary School, Maitama, pledged the National Assembly’s support for the CBT transition.
“We live in a digital world, and our examination system must reflect that. As lawmakers, we are committed to providing all the support needed to ensure a smooth and successful transition,” he said.
On his part, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Basic Examination Bodies, Hon. Oboku Oforji, commended NECO for the smooth conduct of the ongoing SSCE.
“We are impressed by the conduct of the exam. NECO is doing well, and we encourage the leadership to sustain this momentum,” he said.
He led the committee to monitor the examination at the Federal Government Boys College, Apo, Abuja.
The transition to CBT, government officials say, is a critical component of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at repositioning the education sector and building a digitally driven economy.
