No Reversal On CBT: The Federal Government has reaffirmed its decision to implement Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) by 2026.
Education Minister Tunji Alausa made this known during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, May 6.
His remarks come amid rising concerns about the credibility of public examinations, especially following the release of data from the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), which showed that over 1.5 million out of 1.95 million candidates scored below 200 out of 400.
Addressing questions on the low UTME scores and what they reveal about academic standards in senior secondary schools, Alausa stated, “It’s a significant issue and reflects proper exam administration.
“JAMB uses a CBT system and has enforced strict security measures, which has virtually eliminated cheating. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for WAEC and NECO.”
The minister noted that a comprehensive review of the national examination system was initiated shortly after he assumed office.
“We undertook a diagnostic assessment of how examinations are administered across the country. I formed a committee to look into this and expect their report soon,” he said.
He further announced that WAEC and NECO would begin transitioning to CBT by November 2025, starting with objective questions. Full implementation, including essay sections, is scheduled for May/June 2026.
Still on No Reversal On CBT
“To combat examination fraud, we must leverage technology. The existence of ‘miracle centres’ is unacceptable. Students cheat during WAEC and NECO exams, only to face a secure JAMB test where cheating is nearly impossible. That’s the gap we’re witnessing. It’s disheartening,” Alausa remarked.
He emphasized that malpractice not only erodes merit but also demoralizes dedicated students.
“The worst aspect of exam cheating is that it discourages those who study diligently. If I’m preparing for WAEC or NECO and know some classmates have the questions in advance, would I still be motivated to study?
“Likely not. I’d feel pressured to follow suit. That’s how good students get derailed, and that’s precisely what we need to stop,” he added.
When questioned on whether the poor performance stemmed more from lax enforcement or actual academic decline, Alausa acknowledged both factors but stressed the central issue of rampant malpractice.
Still on No Reversal On CBT
“We’re improving teaching quality and promoting digital learning from primary to secondary education. However, the widespread cheating in high school exams—especially WAEC and NECO—is the main issue,” he said.
“JAMB is now almost completely free of malpractice, yet WAEC and NECO still face serious challenges. Our youths are smart, capable, and full of potential. It’s the environment that taints them, and we’re committed to changing that.”
Alausa also confirmed that extensive dialogue has taken place with officials from WAEC, NECO, the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), and the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS).
“Come November, CBT will commence for WAEC and NECO. That decision is final,” he asserted.
In April, the Federal Government formally instructed WAEC and NECO to fully transition to CBT by 2026.
According to the Ministry of Education, the objective sections must shift to CBT by November 2025, with complete integration—including essay portions—by the 2026 exam cycle.
WAEC had already trialed CBT for private candidates in 2023, with over 8,000 students participating in the pilot phase.
I’m staying in the PDP, but a coalition will take on the APC and rebuild the nation – Atiku
Would you like to Earn Money Online with just your mobile device?
If yes then click on the link below:
https://earnbean.ng/
