By William Emily l Date: May 7, 2026
The Federal Government has confirmed that the National Examinations Council will commence Computer-Based Testing for its examinations in 2026 as part of a nationwide effort to modernize Nigeria’s education and examination system. The announcement is part of broader reforms aimed at reducing examination malpractice and aligning the country’s testing standards with global digital practices.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed that both the National Examinations Council and the West African Examinations Council would fully transition from paper-based examinations to CBT by 2026. According to the minister, objective papers are expected to move to computer-based testing first, while both essay and objective components will become fully digital during the 2026 examination cycle.
Alausa stated that the move was designed to strengthen the integrity of public examinations and curb widespread malpractice that has affected Nigeria’s education sector for years. He argued that if the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board could successfully conduct CBT examinations for millions of candidates annually, WAEC and NECO should also be capable of implementing similar systems nationwide.
The Federal Government believes the transition will improve the speed of result processing, increase transparency in examinations, and expose students to digital learning environments that better reflect modern educational standards. Officials also say the initiative forms part of efforts to integrate technology more deeply into Nigeria’s academic institutions.
However, the planned transition has generated concerns among education stakeholders, many of whom argue that Nigeria may not yet be adequately prepared for full CBT implementation. Several experts have warned that inadequate infrastructure, unreliable electricity supply, poor internet connectivity, and limited access to computers in rural communities could undermine the success of the policy.
Education stakeholders also expressed fears that many students and teachers lack sufficient digital literacy to smoothly adapt to computer-based examinations within the proposed timeline. Some analysts described the 2026 deadline as overly ambitious, especially considering the challenges facing public schools across several states.
The House of Representatives previously called for a suspension of the planned CBT rollout until 2030, citing concerns over inadequate infrastructure and the risk of excluding students from disadvantaged communities. Lawmakers argued that many schools, particularly in rural areas, still lack functional computer laboratories and stable electricity needed for computer-based examinations.
Parents and education groups have similarly urged the government to proceed cautiously with the transition. The National Parent-Teacher Association of Nigeria warned that forcing a rushed implementation could create additional hardships for students, especially those living in remote communities without access to modern digital facilities.
Despite the concerns, education authorities insist preparations are ongoing to ensure the successful implementation of CBT examinations by 2026. Government officials say efforts are being made to improve examination infrastructure, train teachers and examination personnel, and provide technical support for schools and CBT centres nationwide.
Analysts believe the transition could significantly reshape Nigeria’s examination system if properly implemented. Supporters argue that digital examinations may reduce cheating, improve efficiency, and better prepare students for technology-driven academic and professional environments, while critics maintain that infrastructure and accessibility challenges must first be adequately addressed before nationwide implementation begins.