The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced essential requirements for schools ahead of the full adoption of computer-based testing (CBT) for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in 2026.
During a sensitisation event in Port Harcourt, WAEC’s Head of Examinations, Mr. Lucky Njoagwuani, emphasized that schools must install at least 250 functional laptops with 10% as backups, a reliable computer server to support simultaneous use, and a Local Area Network (LAN).
Other compulsory facilities include air conditioning, proper lighting, consistent electricity supply, a backup generator of no less than 40kVA, CCTV cameras, and a designated holding or reception area for candidates.
Mr. Njoagwuani highlighted that CBT will reduce logistics costs, enhance exam security, and increase accessibility. “Our private candidate exams have been partly computer-based for two years and fully computer-based this year. Next year, all school candidate exams will switch entirely to CBT,” he stated.
Port Harcourt Zonal Coordinator, Mr. Adeniran-Amusan Akim, urged schools to upgrade their ICT infrastructure, affirming that CBT is permanent.
Schools unable to meet requirements will be assigned to designated centers. “WAEC will maintain strict standards. Schools hosting exams must meet the infrastructure criteria,” he added.
Rivers State Chairman of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Mr. Sunday Jaja, encouraged school owners to seek funding from the Bank of Industry and Federal Government MSME intervention programs to facilitate the transition. “This initiative equips schools and students for the digital age,” Jaja said.
The event was co-hosted by Teadro Systems Ltd, NAPPS, and partners including the Bank of Industry, HP, Lenovo, and Canon, featuring a raffle draw donating ICT devices to schools.
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