Lawmakers in the National Assembly have cautioned the West African Examinations Council to tread carefully in its planned introduction of Computer-Based Testing for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination, warning that any glitch in the 2026 rollout could jeopardise the future of millions of Nigerian students.
WAEC had earlier given firm assurance that the new computer-based examination would be accessible to students in every part of the country, regardless of location or access to technology. Head of the WAEC National Office, Dr. Amos Dangut, made the pledge on Tuesday in Abuja during a sensitisation session organised for members of the National Assembly Committees on Education.
He explained that a phased approach was already being implemented, starting with objective questions before expanding to theory and practical components, to allow schools and candidates to adapt.
Collectively, the lawmakers emphasised that while embracing digital tools in education is both necessary and inevitable, WAEC and the Ministry of Education must avoid a rushed nationwide rollout that could risk glitches, marginalise rural students, and trigger nationwide discontent.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, also assured parents, teachers, and students that “no child will be left behind in this digital transition.”
Stakeholders in the education sector equally lent their voices. The National President of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Public Schools, Muhammad Musa, and the National President of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, Dr. Samira Jibir, both expressed support for the initiative but emphasised that adequate preparation and infrastructural support were indispensable for success.