FG Moves WAEC, NECO Exams to Private CBT Centres Nationwide

The Federal Government is set to transition school-based WAEC and NECO exams to designated Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres starting in 2026, following a successful pilot run of NECO’s CBT Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) in Abuja.

Education Minister, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, announced the plan on Tuesday after monitoring the pilot at Sascon International School, Maitama. He praised NECO’s digital leap, affirming that private and public CBT centres across Nigeria will now host future SSCE exams.

“WAEC and NECO exams will no longer be held in schools,” Alausa declared. “We have thousands of CBT centres nationwide. These entrepreneurs have invested billions; we must help expand their value chain.”

He added that shifting exams from schools to secure CBT centres would curtail malpractice and elevate educational standards. “We must stop this madness of leaked questions and cheating. This reform will protect the future of our youth.”

NECO’s Registrar, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, expressed confidence in the Council’s readiness. “We’re professionally equipped to administer exams via CBT. While infrastructure remains a challenge in remote areas, we are committed,” he said.

According to him, 1,367,210 candidates registered for this year’s SSCE—the highest ever—with Kano leading in enrollment and Jeddah’s Nigerian International School posting the lowest at eight students.

Lawmakers who monitored the pilot praised NECO’s efforts. Senator Ekong Samson, Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, assured legislative support for digital transition. “We are committed to aligning Nigeria’s education system with global standards,” he said.

House Committee Chair on Examination Bodies, Hon. Oboku Oforji, also applauded the process. “NECO is our own, and we are proud of its progress,” he stated after touring Federal Government Boys College, Apo.

Gom Mirian – Report