Nigeria’s education system is racing toward the future. On October 23, 2025, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) launched a groundbreaking trial of its computer-based essay test for the 2026 WASSCE at its Ogba, Lagos Training Centre.

Led by Dr. Amos Dangut, WAEC’s Nigeria National Office head, the exercise introduced senior secondary students to a fully digital exam format blending essay and objective questions. This move is a bold step to modernize exams and spark excitement among Nigeria’s youth.

The trial isn’t just a test it’s a glimpse into the tech-driven future of education.

Pioneering a New Era

Dangut told students they were “making history” as the first to tackle a combined computer-based test (CBT) for WASSCE. The council began its CBT journey with private candidates in 2024, achieving “impressive strides,” and now plans a nationwide rollout by 2026.

The trial aims to familiarize students with the digital format while ensuring schools with limited tech access can still participate. “We’re building a system that works for everyone,” Dangut said, promising fairness across urban and rural divides.

This initiative is setting the stage for a seamless, inclusive digital exam experience.

Bridging the Tech Gap

Not every school has computers, and WAEC knows it. Dangut explained that while some students will take both exam components online, others in tech-scarce areas will stick to paper-based essays. “Our vision is inclusion,” he said, emphasizing accessibility for all candidates.

The CBT format promises faster grading, fewer errors, and a smoother process, boosting efficiency without compromising WAEC’s hallmark credibility.

Students left the trial buzzing, ready to embrace a tech-savvy approach to their academic journey.

A Call to Embrace Technology

Dangut urged students to dive into digital learning, calling it “the key to global competitiveness.”

He sees technology as the future of education, equipping Nigerian youths to rival peers worldwide. “This isn’t just about exams it’s about preparing you for a digital world,” he told the students. WAEC’s commitment to integrity remains ironclad, ensuring exams stay fair and results trustworthy as they transition to this bold new format.

The message is clear: adapt, innovate, and lead in the digital age.

Global Eyes on Nigeria

The trial has Nigeria’s youth fired up, with Lagos students sharing their excitement online. The shift to CBT aligns with global trends, positioning Nigeria as a leader in African education.

Rural schools, often left behind, will benefit from WAEC’s hybrid approach, ensuring no student is excluded. The council’s gradual rollout, tested successfully with private candidates, shows a clear path to scaling up without chaos.

This move is a beacon for Africa’s education systems, blending tradition with cutting-edge tech.

The Road to 2026

WAEC’s trial is more than a test run it’s a revolution. By 2026, the full CBT WASSCE will redefine how Nigeria examines its students, promising efficiency, fairness, and global relevance.

Dangut’s vision is bold: a system where every candidate, from bustling Lagos to remote villages, can shine. As Nigeria’s education sector evolves, students and educators alike are ready for this digital leap.

Will it transform learning for good? The future starts now.

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