The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has expressed that the transition to computer-based examinations by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) will not eliminate malpractice.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja, NUT National President Comrade Audu Amba responded to the recent directive from the Federal Government, which requires WAEC and NECO to fully adopt Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for their examinations by 2026. According to this directive, both multiple-choice and essay papers will be administered via computer, starting with the May/June 2026 exam cycle. Specifically, WAEC is expected to begin conducting objective exams using computer-based testing (CBT) starting in November 2025.
Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, announced the federal government’s decision, stating that the switch to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for WAEC and NECO examinations would enhance efficiency and reduce malpractice. However, Amba asserted that the root challenge in the country’s education system, which contributes to malpractice, is the undue emphasis placed on paper qualifications.
He noted that society often prioritizes certificates and grades over actual intellectual capabilities. As a result, students often go to great lengths—sometimes with the support of their parents—to obtain these certificates, even if they cannot substantiate their grades. “We have placed more emphasis on certificates. What is your grade? What are your scores? We neglect the intellectual abilities of the students. Students will go out of their way to ensure they achieve the marks necessary to obtain their certificates,” he said.
Amba also emphasised the importance of addressing the digital literacy gap among students and teachers before implementing such a policy. He emphasized that this could require additional training programs and resources. “We are talking about CBT exams, but where is the electricity, manpower, and network? We have a long way to go. How many of our teachers in local areas are even computer literate? We cannot simply issue directives from urban centres that are not feasible in rural areas. In my village, for example, the network is unreliable and can only be accessed in certain locations. Furthermore, many of our students have never seen a computer, let alone know how to operate one,” he explained.
The NUT president reiterated that many issues need to be addressed before the introduction of CBT can be successful. He called for relevant stakeholders to collaborate and improve the education sector for the benefit of students and the nation.
