The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced that the full migration of its Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE) to computer-based testing (CBT) will now take effect in 2027, instead of 2026 as earlier directed by the Federal Government.
For the May/June 2026 WASSCE, students will have the option of taking their exams either via CBT or the traditional paper-and-pen format, as the exam will serve as a pilot test for the new system.
Hajia Binta Abdulkadir, Chairman of the Nigeria National Committee (NNC) of WAEC and Federal Government nominee, revealed the update during the opening of the 63rd Annual Meeting of NNC in Umuahia, Abia State. She assured that no candidate would be disadvantaged in the 2026 examinations.
“The council is fully aware of the concerns raised by stakeholders regarding the transition to full CBT by 2026. I want to assure students and parents that all candidates will be accommodated and no one will be disenfranchised,” she said.
Hajia Abdulkadir also outlined WAEC’s preparations for the transition, including training senior school students to respond to essay questions digitally and the ongoing review of the Basic and Secondary School Curricula.
She emphasized that students will continue to have flexibility in subject selection across different groups, and the period for uploading Continuous Assessment Scores (CASS) has been extended to ensure accurate records.
At the event, WAEC also honoured outstanding candidates from the 2024 school-based May/June exams. Master Ajisafe Qoreebullah Olamilekan of Eemaan Foundation College, Osogbo, emerged as the overall best student nationwide, scoring 580.8535 points with A1s in eight subjects, including General Mathematics and English Language.
The second and third best students, Onovo Joan Eberechukwu and Master Mbah Chibukem Mac-Donald, also received distinction awards. Interestingly, all top three students are from private schools and are currently studying Medicine and Surgery at various universities across the country.
Special awards were presented to visually impaired students, with Master Ugwu Christian Chiemerie and Miss Abiodun Taye Olubunmi recognized for their excellence.
Abia State Governor Alex Otti, represented by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Chinedu Ubochi, commended WAEC for its contribution to education and maintaining the integrity of examinations.
Dr Amos Dangut, Head of WAEC Nigeria, urged students and schools to continue striving for excellence, noting that the awards foster healthy competition and academic achievement.
Hajia Abdulkadir also encouraged awardees to remain committed to their studies and assured that the Federal Government would continue supporting WAEC to ensure Nigerian students remain globally competitive.
