The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has unveiled stringent requirements that schools must meet as part of preparations for the full transition of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) to computer-based testing (CBT) by 2026. The announcement underscores the council’s determination to ensure a seamless and credible digital examination process across member states.
Speaking at a sensitisation programme held in Port Harcourt on Thursday, WAEC’s Head of Examinations, Mr. Lucky Njoagwuani, outlined a list of mandatory facilities schools are expected to provide before they can be accredited as CBT centres. He explained that each participating school must have at least 250 functional laptop computers, with an additional 10 per cent backup in case of system failure.
To sustain this large-scale digital examination environment, WAEC has also directed that schools install a robust computer server capable of supporting all 250 systems simultaneously. In addition, a well-structured Local Area Network (LAN) must be set up to guarantee reliable connectivity and reduce the risk of disruptions during examinations.
Beyond ICT infrastructure, Njoagwuani emphasised the importance of adequate power supply and a conducive environment. He stated that schools must provide functional air conditioners and proper lighting within examination halls to ensure comfort for candidates and smooth operation of computer systems. Furthermore, institutions are required to maintain an uninterrupted power supply and install a backup generator with a minimum capacity of 40kVA.
The council also introduced new security measures to safeguard the integrity of the CBT examinations. All accredited centres must install CCTV cameras to monitor activities within examination halls, thereby deterring malpractice and ensuring transparency. Additionally, a holding room or reception facility for candidates will be mandatory to streamline movement and reduce congestion on exam days.
According to WAEC, these requirements are designed not only to prevent technical and logistical challenges but also to build public confidence in the digital testing process. The council reiterated its commitment to assisting schools in understanding and meeting these standards, noting that failure to comply could render institutions ineligible to host CBT examinations.
Education stakeholders believe the new guidelines reflect WAEC’s broader vision of aligning with global best practices in assessment. However, concerns remain about whether schools in rural and underfunded areas will be able to meet the high infrastructural demands within the given timeframe. For now, the sensitisation drive continues across Nigeria as the council works toward the historic migration to full computer-based testing by 2026.
