WAEC Sets New Standards for CBT Exams as Schools Must Provide 250 Computers and CCTV
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced strict requirements for schools ahead of the complete migration of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) by 2026.
During a sensitisation programme in Port Harcourt on Thursday, the Head of Examinations at WAEC, Mr. Lucky Njoagwuani, explained that schools wishing to host the exams must provide essential infrastructure to meet the demands of the new digital system. Among the requirements is a minimum of 250 functional laptops with an additional 10 percent as backups, a robust computer server capable of supporting 250 systems simultaneously, and a Local Area Network (LAN) setup to ensure smooth operations during examinations.
In addition, schools must also provide functional air conditioners and lighting systems, uninterrupted electricity supply, and a backup generator with at least 40kVA capacity to guarantee steady power throughout the exams. To strengthen monitoring and security, CCTV cameras must be installed, while schools are also expected to create a holding room or reception area for candidates before they sit for their exams.
According to Njoagwuani, WAEC’s decision to adopt CBT for all candidates is aimed at reducing logistics costs, enhancing examination security, and widening accessibility for students. He highlighted that WAEC had already piloted the system with the fourth series of private candidate exams two years ago, which proved successful. For this year’s second series of private candidate examinations, WAEC has gone fully digital, with no option for pen-and-paper.
“Invariably, by next year, the school candidate exam will also be fully computer-based. This transition is the future of testing, and schools must align with it,” Njoagwuani said.
Supporting the announcement, the Port Harcourt Zonal Coordinator of WAEC, Mr. Adeniran-Amusan Akim, urged schools to immediately begin upgrading their ICT centres in line with WAEC standards. He made it clear that WAEC would not lower its requirements, warning that any school unable to meet the conditions will have their candidates assigned to designated accredited centres.
“WAEC will not compromise the standards. Any school that wants to host the exams within its premises must provide the required infrastructure and equipment,” Akim stated.
On his part, the Rivers State Chairman of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Mr. Sunday Jaja, encouraged school owners to take advantage of financing opportunities from the Bank of Industry (BOI) and the Federal Government’s MSME intervention fund to fund the necessary upgrades. He stressed that adopting the CBT system will not only meet WAEC’s standards but also better prepare students for the digital age.
“Technology is playing a vital role in modern education. This initiative is more than an exam requirement—it is a chance for schools to stay ahead of global educational trends and equip students for the future,” Jaja said.
The sensitisation programme was organised in partnership with Teadro Systems Ltd, NAPPS, BOI, HP, Lenovo, and Canon, further underscoring the collaborative effort required to achieve the transition. A highlight of the event was the donation of ICT equipment, including laptops, tablets, and printers, to schools through a raffle draw, a move aimed at easing the financial burden for some institutions.
The announcement signals a new era for WAEC examinations, one that will not only modernise assessment in Nigeria but also align with global best practices in education.
