On October 23, 2025, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) ignited excitement among Nigerian students with a trial of its computer-based essay test for the 2026 WASSCE.
Held at the Ogba, Lagos Training Centre, the exercise, led by Dr. Amos Dangut, introduced senior secondary students to a digital format blending essay and objective questions. This bold step signals WAEC’s push to modernize education, captivating youths eager for a tech-driven future.
This isn’t just a trial it’s Nigeria’s leap into a digital education revolution.
A Historic First
Dr. Dangut, head of WAEC’s Nigeria National Office, told students they were “trailblazers” for tackling the first combined computer-based test (CBT) for WASSCE. The council kicked off its CBT journey with private candidates in 2024, making “huge strides,” and now eyes a nationwide rollout by 2026.
The trial prepares students for a seamless digital shift while ensuring fairness for all, regardless of their school’s tech access.
This move is rewriting history, setting Nigeria’s students up for global success.
Ensuring Access for All
WAEC’s plan is inclusive. Schools with computers will take both exam parts online, while those in tech-scarce regions stick to paper-based essays.
“Every student deserves a fair shot,” Dangut said, emphasizing accessibility. The CBT system promises faster results, fewer errors, and a smoother process, all while upholding WAEC’s gold standard of integrity. Students left the trial energized, ready to embrace digital learning.
This hybrid approach ensures no Nigerian student is left behind in the tech wave.
Embracing the Digital Future
Dangut urged students to master digital tools, calling them “essential for competing globally.” He sees tech-driven exams as the future, equipping Nigeria’s youth to rival peers worldwide. “This is about more than tests it’s about your place in a digital world,” he said. WAEC remains committed to fair, credible exams, ensuring results reflect true ability as the shift to CBT unfolds.
The call is loud: Nigeria’s youths must lead the charge in digital education.
A Global Spotlight
The trial has sparked a buzz, with Lagos students sharing their excitement online. Nigeria’s shift to CBT aligns with global education trends, positioning it as an African pacesetter.
Rural schools, often tech-deprived, will benefit from WAEC’s balanced approach, blending digital and traditional methods. The 2024 private candidate success proves the system works, paving the way for a smooth 2026 rollout.
Nigeria’s education scene is shining, and the world is taking notice.
Countdown to 2026
WAEC’s digital push is a game-changer. By 2026, the full CBT WASSCE will transform how Nigeria tests its students, blending efficiency with fairness.
Dangut’s vision ensures every candidate, from urban hubs to remote villages, can excel. As Nigeria’s education evolves, students and teachers are hyped for this digital leap. Will it redefine learning for good? The future is bright, and it starts now.
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