In a landmark move poised to revolutionize the national examination landscape, the National Examinations Council (NECO) has officially announced its complete transition from the traditional Paper-Pencil Test (PPT) to a full Computer-Based Testing (CBT) system. The phased rollout will begin with the November/December 2025 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) External, with full implementation for all objective and essay components slated for 2026.
This significant reform, which aligns with the Federal Government's directive to fully digitize all major public examinations, marks a bold step towards modernizing Nigeria's education system and combating the persistent issue of examination malpractice.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, while commending NECO for a successful pilot scheme, reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring the integrity and global competitiveness of Nigerian certificates. He emphasized that the move to CBT is not merely about technology but about restoring public confidence in the examination process, creating a new value chain, and fostering a digital-savvy generation.
Phased Implementation and Stringent Guidelines
According to NECO's Registrar, Prof. Ibrahim Dantani Wushishi, the transition will be a methodical one. Beginning in November 2025, candidates for the SSCE External will take their objective papers via the CBT platform. By 2026, the entire examination—including essay questions—will be conducted digitally.
To ensure a seamless and credible process, NECO has released a comprehensive set of guidelines for the accreditation of CBT centres nationwide. These requirements are stringent and designed to prevent the use of substandard or makeshift facilities. Key requirements include:
* A minimum of 150 functional computer systems or laptops with a 10% backup.
* A robust server capable of supporting at least 150 systems.
* Reliable power backup systems, such as a 40 kVA generator and UPS/inverters with at least three hours of capacity.
* Air-conditioned halls with proper lighting and CCTV surveillance.
* Strong internet connectivity from approved network providers like MTN or Airtel.
* Dedicated technical staff and network engineers on-site.
Stakeholders' Reactions and Concerns
The announcement has been met with a mix of optimism and apprehension. While many education experts and policymakers believe the transition is long overdue and essential for curbing malpractice, some stakeholders, including the National Parent-Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN), have raised concerns about the readiness of the country's infrastructure, especially in rural areas.
They argue that a lack of computer literacy among students and teachers, coupled with issues of erratic power supply and poor internet connectivity, could disadvantage students from underserved communities. However, the government has pledged to work with state governments and private partners to expand the network of accredited CBT centres and ensure accessibility for all candidates.
NECO's leadership has affirmed its readiness, stating that while terrain-related challenges exist, they will not deter the council from evolving with global trends. The move to CBT is expected to significantly reduce logistical challenges, expedite result processing, and enhance the overall efficiency of the national examination system.
The full transition to CBT by NECO and WAEC by 2026 represents a pivotal moment in Nigeria's educational reform agenda, promising a more transparent, secure, and modern approach to national assessments.
