If you are a senior secondary school student planning to sit for WAEC in 2026, the way you prepare will need to change completely. For the first time, the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for school candidates will be fully computer-based (CBT). This isn’t just a new system, it’s a transformation that affects how questions are presented, how you interact with them, and even how results are processed.
The shift from paper booklets to screens is a major leap. It promises faster results, stronger exam integrity, and the chance to improve your digital skills. But it also means students, teachers, and school administrators must be ready. Preparation is now not just about content, it’s also about technology and comfort in a digital environment.
Why WAEC Is Moving to CBT by 2026
WAEC first piloted CBT for private candidates in 2024, and the board has now confirmed that all school candidates will take a fully computer-based exam by 2026. According to the Minister of Education, the transition aligns Nigeria with modern assessment standards and addresses long-standing problems such as exam paper leakages, malpractice, and delays in result processing.
For students, this change means:
- Exam security and integrity will improve because questions are digital, reducing opportunities for cheating.
- Result processing will be faster as multiple-choice questions can be auto-scored.
- Students’ digital literacy will improve, preparing them for tertiary education and the modern workplace.
- Schools and administrators must upgrade infrastructure, from computer labs to power supply, or risk disadvantaging candidates.
WAEC’s official website (waecdirect.org) has details and updates on the CBT rollout.
Infrastructure Requirements for Schools
For students to have a smooth experience, schools must be ready. Reports suggest that each centre should have at least 250 functional computers or laptops, with 10% as backups. A robust wired LAN network is required; Wi-Fi-only setups are insufficient.
Power supply is critical. Generators or alternative electricity sources must be in place. Examination halls should be air-conditioned and equipped with CCTV monitoring. Secure areas for candidate registration and waiting are also essential. Experts recommend generators rated 40 kVA or more to ensure continuous power throughout exams.
Schools also need technical staff, risk management protocols for system failures or power outages, and routine mock CBT trials to guarantee readiness. The gap between urban and rural schools remains a concern, as students in underfunded regions may face greater challenges.
What Students Can Expect in a CBT Exam
The CBT interface will be different from traditional paper exams. Objective questions will appear on-screen, and candidates will click or type answers directly. Timers will be visible, and sections will auto-submit when time runs out. Some essay or theory sections may remain on paper initially, but the goal is a fully digital exam.
Practice is essential. Schools and WAEC will provide mock CBT exams to familiarize candidates with the interface. Students should also practice in computer labs, learn to navigate the software, and manage time under timed conditions. Digital fluency now matters as much as academic knowledge.
Equity and the Digital Divide
While CBT offers fairness in principle, not all students start from the same point. Those in rural or under-resourced schools may lack access to functional computers, stable electricity, or trained teachers. Without proactive support, the digital divide could create unequal chances of success.
Experts suggest that students in these areas use every available resource to practice, including computer clubs, libraries, and external ICT centres, to bridge the gap before the 2026 exams.
Timeline and Candidate Scale
WAEC estimates that nearly 2 million school candidates from more than 23,000 schools will take the 2026 CBT-WASSCE. Sensitization programs, infrastructure upgrades, and teacher training are ongoing throughout 2025, ensuring that the full rollout is ready by 2026.
This massive scale means that careful planning is essential for both schools and candidates. Delays or technical failures on exam day can create panic, so familiarity with the system ahead of time is crucial.
Challenges and Risks
While CBT brings clear advantages, it also comes with risks:
- Equipping all eligible schools with computers and backup systems is expensive.
- Reliable electricity and internet access remain inconsistent in many regions.
- Cybersecurity threats and potential system malfunctions could disrupt exams.
- Digital literacy gaps among students and teachers may affect performance.
Some education experts argue that regional CBT hubs may be necessary to support students from areas with poor infrastructure. Schools are encouraged to conduct multiple trial runs to reduce the likelihood of technical failures during the official exams.
How to Choose Subjects and Prepare
With CBT, careful planning matters more than ever. Students should:
- Confirm that their school will be CBT-ready.
- Practice timed tests in computer labs to build speed and comfort.
- Understand changes to the exam interface, including timers, navigation, and submission rules.
- Ensure their subject choices align with their tertiary education goals.
- Work with teachers to reduce technology-related anxiety before the exam.
Preparation should now include typing practice, understanding digital exam tools, and time management under simulated conditions.
Related Education Reforms
The CBT shift for WAEC is part of a broader educational reform. The federal government has mandated both WAEC and NECO to pilot and adopt computer-based exams by 2026. Simultaneously, technical colleges and skills-based learning initiatives are being strengthened to support digital-ready education.
This change signals that paper-based exams are gradually being phased out. Students, teachers, and schools must adapt quickly to remain competitive and ensure a smooth transition.
Practical Advice for Students
- Practice regularly: Use school computer labs and official mock CBT exams.
- Familiarize yourself with the interface: Understand how to navigate questions, flag items, and submit answers.
- Check infrastructure: Know your school’s readiness before exam day.
- Focus on tech fluency: Improve typing speed and computer navigation skills.
- Plan subjects wisely: Choose streams and subjects aligned with tertiary goals and strengths.
- Stay informed: Follow WAEC updates and official communication channels for instructions and changes.
Conclusion
The 2026 CBT-WASSCE represents a major shift in Nigerian education. The move promises fairness, faster results, and digital skills development, but only if students and schools prepare adequately. Success will depend not just on what you know academically, but how comfortable you are using technology to demonstrate that knowledge.
For students, the message is clear: treat your preparation like a computer lab exercise, not just a classroom lecture. Start practicing, check your school’s readiness, and engage with the CBT system early.
The era of paper WASSCE is coming to a close. By preparing now, you can ensure that the 2026 exams are not just manageable but a smooth, confidence-building step toward your future.
