WAEC Cites Poor Infrastructure for Gradual CBT Transition in WASSCE Exams

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has explained that the gradual implementation of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for its examinations is due to ongoing infrastructural challenges across member countries.

WAEC made this known while addressing concerns surrounding the planned transition to CBT for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), noting that the shift will be implemented in phases to ensure fairness and stability in the system.

According to the Council, inadequate infrastructure, such as unstable electricity supply, poor internet connectivity, and insufficient computer facilities in many schools, remains a major obstacle to a full CBT rollout.

WAEC further noted that the situation is more difficult in rural and hard-to-reach communities, where many secondary schools still lack functional ICT laboratories and trained personnel to manage computer-based examinations effectively.

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The examination body stressed that a sudden nationwide shift to CBT could create disparities between students in urban centres and those in rural areas, potentially affecting performance and access to equal examination conditions.

As a result, WAEC said it is adopting a gradual, carefully structured approach that will allow schools, students, and examination centres to adjust progressively as infrastructure is improved.

Education stakeholders have also weighed in on the development, with many supporting the phased transition. They argue that while CBT remains a necessary step towards modernising Nigeria’s examination system and reducing malpractice, it must be backed by significant investment in ICT infrastructure and training.

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Some experts warn that without adequate preparation, a full transition could place students in disadvantaged areas at a serious disadvantage, widening the educational gap between regions.

Concerns have also been raised over the readiness of public schools, many of which still struggle with basic ICT access and inconsistent power supply, factors considered critical for successful CBT implementation.

WAEC, however, maintains that the long-term goal remains a full digital examination system that is more efficient, secure, and aligned with global best practices. The Council says the phased rollout is designed to ensure that no candidate is left behind during the transition.

The move comes amid ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s education sector aimed at digitising assessment processes and improving examination integrity.

For now, WAEC says it will continue working with governments, schools, and stakeholders to address infrastructural gaps while steadily advancing toward full adoption of CBT in the future.