FG Mandates Full CBT for WAEC, NECO Exams by 2026

The Federal Government has instructed WAEC and NECO to transition to fully Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for all examinations by 2026. Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa announced this during an exam monitoring visit with JAMB officials in Bwari on Monday.

Over 2 million candidates are currently taking exams at more than 800 centers nationwide, according to the News Agency of Nigeria. Alausa stated that CBT for objective papers will begin this November, with both objective and essay components fully CBT-based by May or June 2026.

Drawing on JAMB’s success with CBT for over 2.2 million candidates, Alausa emphasized that WAEC and NECO can follow suit to curb exam malpractices. A committee is also reviewing national exam standards, with findings due next month.

JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede clarified that UTME exams start at 8:00 a.m., with candidates required to arrive by 6:30 a.m. for accreditation. He dismissed concerns about early arrivals and denied claims of candidates being assigned to unchosen centers.

Of the 2.03 million registered candidates, over 1.6 million have completed their exams, with around 50,000 still pending. Over 40 candidates have been apprehended for malpractices, including impersonation and smuggling exam questions. Additionally, more than 41,000 registered candidates are underage.