WAEC Says Computer-Based WASSCE Will Curb Exam Malpractice, Boost Integrity

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling examination malpractice through the introduction of computer-based testing for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

The new system, officially known as the Computer-Based WASSCE (CB-WASSCE), is set to commence next year and will begin with the current Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) students across Nigeria.

Speaking during a sensitisation rally in Port Harcourt, the Zonal Coordinator of WAEC, Port Harcourt Office, Mr. Adeniran Amusan, said the hybrid system which combines digital and manual components will revolutionise the conduct of examinations in the sub-region.

Amusan explained that the digitalisation initiative is part of the council’s broader strategy to curb examination leakages, ensure prompt conduct and release of results, and strengthen the credibility of WAEC’s assessment process.

He noted that the council has already begun stakeholder engagement and capacity-building exercises to ensure a smooth transition, adding that WAEC is committed to maintaining the highest standards of fairness and integrity in its examinations.

“This innovation will not only discourage malpractice but also align WAEC’s operations with global best practices in education assessment,” Amusan stated.

The sensitisation rally drew participation from students, teachers, school administrators, and education officials who lauded the move as a step toward modernising Nigeria’s examination system.

WAEC had earlier announced pilot tests of the CB-WASSCE model, following similar computer-based adaptations seen in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by JAMB.

Education stakeholders say the reform, when fully implemented, will mark a new era of transparency, speed, and accountability in the conduct of public examinations across West Africa.