The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially shifted the commencement of its full Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) to 2027, instead of the earlier directive that targeted 2026.
According to WAEC, the decision was taken to ensure smooth migration and prevent any student from being disadvantaged during the transition.
2026 WASSCE Will Be Hybrid — CBT or Paper Option
The Chairman of the Nigeria National Committee (NNC) of WAEC, Hajia Binta Abdulkadir, made the announcement during the 63rd annual NNC meeting in Umuahia, Abia State.
She clarified that:
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The 2026 May/June WASSCE will only serve as a pilot test.
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Candidates will have two options:
✔ Sit for exams using CBT
✔ Or use the traditional paper-and-pen format -
No candidate will be disenfranchised, regardless of the format they choose.
Why WAEC Shifted the Full CBT Rollout
Hajia Abdulkadir explained that WAEC is responding to concerns raised by stakeholders over the Federal Government’s directive that all examination bodies migrate to CBT by 2026.
She highlighted key readiness efforts:
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Training senior secondary students on the use of digital devices.
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Conducting pilot tests using tablets for essay and theory questions.
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Improving infrastructure to support computer-based evaluation.
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Ensuring schools have adequate capacity for full migration by 2027.
WAEC Also Addresses Curriculum Review & Subject Flexibility
On the newly reviewed Basic and Secondary School Curricula, WAEC assured students and schools that:
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No student will be restricted from registering subjects across different groups.
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Science students can still take Economics or other electives to complete their subject combinations.
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The Continuous Assessment Scores (CASS) submission window has been extended so schools can properly upload new subjects introduced under the updated curriculum.
Top Performers of WAEC 2024 Honored
The NNC event also featured the celebration of outstanding candidates from the 2024 May/June WASSCE.
1. Overall Best Student – National Distinction Award
Master Ajisafe Qoreebullah Olamilekan
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School: Eemaan Foundation College, Osogbo
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Score: 580.8535
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8 A1s including Mathematics and English
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Currently studying Medicine and Surgery at FUHSI, Ila-Orangun
2nd Best Student
Onovo Joan Eberechukwu (18 years old)
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University: UNILAG
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Course: Medicine and Surgery
3rd Best Student
Master Mbah Chibukem Mac-Donald
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University: Afe Babalola University
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Course: Medicine and Surgery
All three top candidates came from private schools.
Special Needs Category Awardees
WAEC also honoured the best male and female visually impaired candidates:
Best Male – Special Needs Category
Ugwu Christian Chiemerie (23 years)
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Score: 413.5326
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Studying Law at UNN
Best Female – Special Needs Category
Abiodun Taye Olubunmi
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Score: 429.1543
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Studying Guidance and Counselling at UNILORIN
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Government Commends WAEC’s Integrity Efforts
Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti (represented by Elder Goodluck Chinedu Ubochi), praised WAEC for:
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Strengthening exam credibility
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Introducing stricter malpractice policies
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Protecting Nigeria’s assessment standards
He assured that Abia State would continue supporting WAEC’s educational efforts.
WAEC Reaffirms Commitment to Excellence
The Head of National Office, Dr Amos Dangut, encouraged students to continue aiming for excellence and emphasized that the award scheme is designed to promote healthy academic competition nationwide.
Hajia Abdulkadir concluded by assuring that the Federal Government remains committed to supporting WAEC and making Nigerian students globally competitive.
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