In 2026, Nigeria’s education system is about to hit the biggest reset button of its life. Forget the smell of freshly sharpened pencils, the invigilator’s cane tapping the desk, or that friend who whispers “number 5 is C.” By government decree, WAEC and NECO will abandon paper and pencil entirely, every exam will be Computer-Based (CBT).
Yes, you read that right.
The Federal Government and the National Assembly have thrown their weight behind the plan by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to fully migrate from paper-based testing to Computer-Based Test (CBT) by 2026.
At a sensitisation meeting with lawmakers and stakeholders in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, said the nationwide adoption of CBT would strengthen Nigeria’s student assessment system and transform the education sector.
“We have undertaken to migrate public examinations to computer-based technology as a deliberate step to secure the integrity of our education system. While some initially opposed this transition, we knew that business as usual could no longer suffice,” Alausa said.
The minister stressed that the new system would drastically curb examination malpractice and safeguard the credibility of the WAEC examination process.
“The shift to designated computer-based centres will drastically reduce malpractice and safeguard the credibility of our examinations. This will further enhance the reputation and credibility of our examinations both locally and internationally,” he said.
Alausa added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remained committed to education as the surest tool for national development.
“Mr. President has often reiterated that education remains the greatest legacy we can bequeath to our children and youth. This administration is laying strong and sustainable foundations that will outlive us, ensuring inclusivity for children with special needs and leaving a legacy upon which future governments can build,” he said.
The announcement sounds like progress, finally, Nigeria catching up with the digital age! But anyone who has lived in this country knows that progress here is never smooth. If JAMB’s transition to CBT was like a bumpy ride in a danfo bus, WAEC’s own might feel like flying a rickety helicopter through a thunderstorm.
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So what exactly should Nigerians expect when WAEC ditches pen and paper for full CBT? Brace yourself—because here are five things that will almost certainly happen once the switch is made.
1. Cybercafés Will Become the New Exam Halls
By 2026, every neighbourhood cybercafé owner will suddenly become the new “Chief Examiner.” Parents will pay top naira for seats, and students will flood cybercafés weeks before exams for practice. It won’t be shocking if some cafés start advertising: “WAEC-Ready Computers, Generator Guaranteed.”
2. Expo Will Go Digital
Malpractice isn’t going anywhere—it’s just changing form. Instead of tiny notes hidden in socks, expect hackers, cheat apps, and Telegram groups promising “live access to exam servers.” Where there’s WAEC, there will always be “runs.” Only this time, it’ll be high-tech.
3. Typing Lessons Will Replace Handwriting Practice
Gone are the days of “write legibly.” Now, your typing speed could decide your grade. Parents who once forced their children to copy “My Best Friend” essays into exercise books will now hire typing tutors. Slow typists, beware, you might run out of time before finishing your answers.
4. Generators And Solar Panels Will Become Exam Essentials
NEPA doesn’t care about WAEC. Imagine power going off mid-exam—scores frozen, futures on pause. Without reliable backup, CBT exams could be a power nightmare. Expect parents and schools to invest in solar panels, inverters, and mini-generators just to keep screens on.
5. The Urban-Rural Divide Will Explode
In Lagos and Abuja, students will adapt quickly. But in rural villages where some kids have never touched a computer mouse, CBT could feel like a punishment. Unless WAEC sets up proper training centres, the digital gap will widen, and inequality will become even more brutal.
Beyond The Exams
CBT may save WAEC from malpractice scandals and endless marking delays, but it could also create fresh chaos if Nigeria rushes into it unprepared. The success or failure of this reform will depend on whether WAEC can balance efficiency with fairness.
So by 2026, one thing is certain: WAEC won’t just test students’ brains, it’ll test Nigeria’s readiness for the digital revolution.
