WAEC, NECO set to migrate to Computer-Based Testing

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The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to migrate all examinations conducted by WAEC, NECO, and other examination bodies to a Computer-Based Testing (CBT) platform within the next three years.

This initiative is aimed at enhancing examination security, efficiency, and credibility.

The announcement was made in a statement by the Director of Press, Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade, following a strategic meeting convened by the Minister of Education, Mr. Maruf Alausa.

The meeting included key stakeholders such as the Registrars of JAMB and NECO, the Head of WAEC’s National Office, and the Director of Senior Secondary Education.

During the meeting, the Minister reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance stance on examination malpractice and stressed the importance of safeguarding the integrity of national assessments.

“We are committed to transitioning all achievement and placement examinations to a CBT platform within the next three years. This step will ensure a secure, efficient, and credible examination system that accurately reflects students’ achievements,” said Mr. Alausa.

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He also disclosed that a committee has been established to address critical issues such as exam leakages, identity fraud, and inadequate supervision, with a formal inauguration scheduled for January 2025.

The Minister of State for Education, Mrs. Suwaiba Ahmad, expressed concern about unethical practices undermining Nigeria’s education system.

She highlighted cases of students pooling funds to purchase leaked answers and schools bribing officials, describing these acts as threats to academic integrity.

“These practices erode the credibility of our assessments and compromise the moral and intellectual development of students. The Ministry is committed to enforcing strict measures to combat malpractice and restore transparency in the examination process,” she stated.

She called on stakeholders to work together to ensure fairness and accountability in the education sector.

The shift to CBT aligns with the government’s broader agenda to reform the education system and align it with global standards.

By tackling malpractice and leveraging technology, Nigeria aims to establish a future where academic achievements are both credible and globally respected.