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CONFIRMED: WAEC Proceeds with 2026 CBT “Pilot” for WASSCE; Schools Grouped into Three Tiers

Education Desk

⚡ Quick Read

  • The Update: WAEC has confirmed that the May/June 2026 WASSCE will proceed as a hybrid/pilot CBT examination, despite calls from the House of Representatives to suspend the policy.

  • Not Mandatory for All: It is not a forced switch for every student. Schools have been classified into three tiers based on their readiness.

  • The Tiers: Schools will either take: 1) Full CBT, 2) Objective-only CBT, or 3) Paper-based exams (if facilities are totally lacking).

  • Subject Changes: Candidates in 2026 will sit for only 3 core subjects (English, Math, and one Trade Subject) plus electives. New subjects like Digital Technologies have been deferred to 2028.

  • Full Rollout: A mandatory, 100% switch to CBT is now targeted for 2027 or later, allowing more time for infrastructure upgrades.

LAGOS — The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially clarified its stance on the controversial shift to digital testing, announcing that the May/June 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) will serve as a massive pilot scheme rather than a mandatory overnight switch.

This announcement comes amidst heated debates in the National Assembly, where lawmakers had previously urged a suspension of the policy until 2030 to prevent mass failure due to poor infrastructure. However, WAEC, backed by the Federal Ministry of Education, is pressing ahead with a “flexible” approach designed to accommodate Nigeria’s varying levels of technological readiness.

The “Three-Tier” Model: How 2026 Exams Will Work

In a move to ensure no candidate is disenfranchised, WAEC’s Head of National Office, Dr. Amos Dangut, has revealed a three-tier classification system for schools in the 2026 diet:

  1. Tier 1 (Fully Ready): Schools with adequate computer facilities will conduct the entire examination (Objectives and Essays) via CBT.

  2. Tier 2 (Partially Ready): Schools with limited facilities will take Objective questions via CBT, while Essay and Practical papers will remain paper-based.

  3. Tier 3 (Not Ready): Schools in rural areas or those completely lacking infrastructure will continue with the traditional Paper-and-Pen format for now, or utilize community accredited CBT centers.

“We have mapped schools nationwide,” Dr. Dangut stated. “No student will be forced to use a computer if the facility is not there. This is a transition, not a disruption.”

Curriculum Adjustments for 2026

WAEC has also announced significant changes to the subject load for this year’s candidates to streamline the process:

  • Reduced Core Subjects: Students will sit for only three core subjects: English Language, General Mathematics, and one Trade Subject.

  • Deferred Subjects: Newly introduced subjects such as Citizenship & Heritage Studies and Digital Technologies will not be examined in 2026 or 2027. Assessment for these will begin in 2028 to allow for proper syllabus integration.

Evolution of the Transition

  • 2024: The journey began with private candidates (First Series) attempting a hybrid model.

  • 2025: The pilot expanded to more centers, with results showing that candidates using CBT performed “empirically better” due to the elimination of logistical anxiety.

  • 2026 (Current): A large-scale pilot offering a choice between digital and paper formats based on school classification.

  • 2027 Onward: The target year for a full, mandatory migration to CBT, pending the success of the 2026 pilot and infrastructure improvements.

Challenges & Government Assurance

While the benefits of CBT—such as curbing the notorious “miracle centers,” eliminating paper leaks, and faster result processing—are clear, stakeholders remain wary. The House of Representatives has expressed deep concern over power instability and the lack of computers in rural public schools.

In response, the Federal Government has promised to collaborate with state governors and private partners to upgrade accredited CBT centers, similar to the model used by JAMB.

WAEC has advised all candidates preparing for the May/June 2026 exams to download the official WAEC practice apps and familiarize themselves with the digital interface, regardless of their school’s tier classification, as the future of examination is inevitably digital.