FG Mandates Full CBT for WAEC, NECO Exams by 2026, Praises JAMB’s UTME Management

By Leeman Ali-haidar

The Federal Government has instructed the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) to adopt full Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for their examinations by 2026.

Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa issued the directive during an inspection of the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), organized by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), in Abuja on Monday.

According to the minister, WAEC and NECO must begin administering their objective tests via CBT by November 2025, with a full transition—including essay components—expected by May/June 2026. The move aims to strengthen the fight against examination malpractice.

“If JAMB can successfully conduct CBT exams for over 2.2 million candidates nationwide, WAEC and NECO, which handle slightly fewer numbers, should also be able to replicate the same feat without difficulty,” Dr. Alausa stated.

He commended JAMB for the smooth coordination of the UTME, describing the process as transparent, well-organized, and meeting international standards. “The examination process is almost foolproof against malpractice,” he added.

The minister emphasized the administration’s commitment to institutional independence, stating, “Under the current government, the rule of law is respected, allowing bodies like JAMB to operate efficiently.”

He also warned candidates against cheating, urging them to trust in hard work for success.

To further enhance examination standards, the government has established a committee led by a professor to review and recommend quality improvement strategies across all levels of education.

Meanwhile, JAMB’s Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, provided insights into the board’s operational framework, revealing that over 2,040,538 candidates applied for admission into 1,452 tertiary institutions. The exam is being conducted with the support of more than 2,000 staff and ad-hoc personnel across CBT centers nationwide.

Oloyede affirmed that JAMB’s secure and efficient processes have raised the bar for examinations in Nigeria, pledging the board’s commitment to maintaining and improving these standards.