Visualize a jittery student perched in a flickering exam hall corner, sweat mixing with past exam papers. Suddenly, the invigilator announces: “No more paper! Next year, you’ll be typing your answers.” That moment of seismic change is now not futuristic, it’s official.
In a high-stakes meeting with education policymakers, WAEC’s Head of National Office, Dr. Amos Dangut, confirmed progress toward a full digital leap: “By 2026, deployment will be massive.” Complete CBT roll-out—objective and essay papers.
Meanwhile, Rep. Oboku Oforji urged: “WAEC must establish at least one CBT centre in each of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas before the 2026 deadline.”
Such scenes feel ripped from a techno-thriller rather than the usually sleepy aura of exam reforms.
Why This Feels Like A Plot Twist
1. Malpractice Meets Its Match
The FG calls this reform a “historic step” toward integrity, breaking exam deceit with tech that allegedly makes cheating “almost impossible.”
2. From Private to Universal
The transition began in 2024 with private candidates. But if your school still uses old pencils, get ready or get left behind.
3. Doubts and Digital Divides
NASS isn’t just cheering. Some lawmakers warned of a CBT rollout that’s overly optimistic, especially where rural schools lack generators or networks. They demanded a phased plan, not a Netflix-style binge release.
Critics: Not Everyone’s Ready To Log In
There’s an emerging offline revolution brewing. One advocacy group warned that pushing digital exams without addressing infrastructure will “disenfranchise millions.” Another student on X quipped: “So now if we can’t type, we fail?”
Also Read: WAEC 2026: 5 Things To Expect When Nigeria Switch From Paper To CBT
As the Senate demands caution, the FG remains confident, balancing optimism with the reality of upgrades and funding.
Vision 2026
Nigeria’s exam scene is morphing fast: from sweaty scribbles to status bar twirls. In 2026, Nigerian students won’t just remember answers, they’ll remember whether the Wi-Fi held up. The stakes are higher than ever: it’s not just about passing the exam, it’s about not getting left offline.
