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The federal government insists that it will transition to the West African Examinations Commission (WAEC) and the National Examinations Commission (NECO) to Computer-based Testing (CBT) by 2026.
Education Minister Tunji Alausa disclosed this when he appeared on the “Morning” summary on channel TV on Tuesday, May 6.
His comments are increasingly concerned about the integrity of public exams, especially after the release of statistics in the 2025 Unified Level 3 Entrance Examination (UTME), which shows that among the 19.5 million candidates with 400 points below 200 points, there are more than 1.5 million and more than 1.5 million.
“This is a big question, and it’s a reflection of the exam,” Alausa said in response to questions about poorer UTME results and the questions that the learning outcomes at the high school level showed.
“JAMB uses computer-based testing systems for the test. They implement strong security measures, so fraud or cheating is almost eliminated. Unfortunately, we can’t say the same thing to WAEC and NECO.”
The minister revealed that the government conducted a comprehensive review of the country’s examination system shortly after its tenure.
“We have a diagnostic review of the way the exams are conducted nationwide. I have set up a committee to investigate this and I hope to receive their reports in the coming days,” he said.
He further announced that WAEC and NECO will move the exam to CBT from November 2025, starting with objective papers and fully implemented by May/June 2026 (covering the paper components).
“We have to use technology to fight this fraud. There are a lot of ‘Miracle Centers’, which is unacceptable. People cheat during the WAEC and NECO exams and then face Jamb, and they can hardly cheat. That’s the gap we’re seeing right now. It’s sad,” Alausa said.
He stressed that exam malfeasance not only undermines the merits, but also discourages hard-working students.
“The worst part of cheating is that it’s unwilling to work hard. If I’m ready to prepare for WAEC or NECO and I know some classmates have access to the question, do you think I’ll still study hard?
He added: “No, I’d love to join them. That’s how good students are corrupt, and that’s exactly what we have to stop.”
Asked whether students’ poor performance was due to weaker law enforcement or a real decline in learning, Alausa acknowledged both factors but highlighted the systemic problem of widespread malfeasance.
“We are addressing the quality of teaching and using technology, including online courses, to support learning from beginner to secondary levels. However, in high school exams, especially WAEC and NECO, the widespread cheating is a core issue.”
“JAMB is hardly 100% fraud right now, but Waec and Neco still have major mistakes. Our young people are smart, capable and energetic. It’s the environment that destroys them and we are determined to solve this problem.”
The minister confirmed that extensive consultations have been conducted with the leadership of WAEC, NECO, the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) and the National Arabic and Islamic Research Council (NBAIS).
“By November this year, WAEC and NECO will start the CBT exams. That’s not going back,” he said.
In April, the federal government formally directed WAEC and NECO to adopt CBT by 2026.
The Ministry of Education stipulates that the target section must be transitioned by November 2025 and fully integrate the target and paper components before the 2026 examination cycle.
WAEC has already piloted a computer-based format for its private candidates in 2023, with more than 8,000 candidates participating in the inaugural version.
