Janet Samuel
The Federal Government has directed the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) to commence the use of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for their examinations, beginning with the objective papers in November 2025.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa disclosed this while monitoring the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) at the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) headquarters in Bwari, Abuja.
Dr. Alausa explained that while the objective sections would first transition to CBT later this year, the full migration, including essay components, is scheduled for the May/June 2026 examination cycle.
He stressed that the shift to digital testing aims to significantly curb examination malpractice and foster a culture of academic honesty and excellence among Nigerian students.
The Minister pointed out that if JAMB, handling over 2.2 million candidates annually, could successfully implement CBT exams, then WAEC and NECO, which record fewer candidates, should easily follow suit.
“We are determined to eradicate examination malpractice by ensuring all papers, including practicals and essays, are conducted through computer-based formats,” Dr. Alausa said.
He praised JAMB’s standards, describing its examination process as internationally recognized and a testament to Nigeria’s ability to run credible and transparent assessments.
Dr. Alausa further revealed that a committee, chaired by JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede had been inaugurated to audit and improve examination processes across the country, with a full report expected by the end of next month.
Meanwhile, Prof. Oloyede, while speaking with Newsmen, reaffirmed that JAMB’s UTME has always begun by 8:00 a.m., with candidates required to arrive early for accreditation, and dismissed claims of candidates being sent to unselected centres as baseless.
On security, the JAMB Registrar confirmed that over 40 candidates had been arrested for offences ranging from impersonation to attempting to smuggle examination materials, affirming that integrity remains central to the conduct of the UTME.
