The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced that the full computer-based testing (CBT) format for the Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE) will now commence in 2027, rather than 2026 as earlier directed by the Federal Government.
During the 63rd Annual Meeting of Nigeria’s National Committee (NNC) in Umuahia, Abia State, WAEC Chairman Hajia Binta Abdulkadir assured stakeholders that the 2026 May/June WASSCE will serve as a pilot for the full-CBT model. Students will have the option of sitting for their exams either digitally or via traditional paper-and-pen.
Abdulkadir, who is also a Director at the Federal Ministry of Education, emphasized that no candidate will be disadvantaged during the 2026 exams. She highlighted WAEC’s ongoing efforts to ensure a smooth transition, including training senior school students on using tablets and digital tools to respond to essay questions. She also confirmed that the recent review of the Basic and Secondary School Curricula will allow students flexibility in subject choices, ensuring, for instance, that science students can still take electives like Economics. Continuous Assessment Scores (CASS) submission timelines have also been extended to capture new subjects accurately.
The event also recognized top-performing students from the 2024 May/June school-based exam. Master Ajisafe Qoreebullah Olamilekan of Eemaan Foundation College, Osogbo, Osun State, emerged as the overall best candidate with a total score of 580.85, achieving A1s in eight subjects, including Mathematics and English. He is now studying Medicine and Surgery at the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila Orangun.
The second and third top performers, Onovo Joan Eberechukwu (University of Lagos) and Master Mbah Chibukem Mac-Donald (Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti), also scored highly and are pursuing Medicine and Surgery. All three top achievers are from private schools.
WAEC additionally honored top male and female candidates who are special students: Master Ugwu Christian Chiemerie (Law, University of Nigeria, Nsukka) and Miss Abiodun Taye Olubunmi (Guidance and Counselling, University of Ilorin), recognizing their remarkable performance despite visual impairments.
Abia State Governor Alex Otti, represented by Commissioner Elder Goodluck Chinedu Ubochi, praised WAEC for maintaining credible examinations and supporting educational development. He commended policies aimed at curbing malpractice and preserving exam integrity, calling them “timely, courageous, and essential to safeguard the future of our young ones.”
Dr. Amos Dangut, Head of WAEC Nigeria, said the award initiatives encourage healthy competition and excellence nationwide, while Hajia Abdulkadir urged all awardees to continue striving academically. She reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting WAEC in producing globally competitive students.