WAEC and NECO Exams Move to CBT by 2026

The Federal Government has announced that WAEC and NECO exams will move to CBT (Computer-Based Testing) starting in 2026.

This change will first affect objective papers in November 2025, and by May/June 2026, all subjects—including essay papers—will be conducted entirely on computers.

WAEC and NECO Exams Move to CBT: What This Means

WAEC and NECO candidates will no longer write exams using pen and paper. Instead, they will complete all exam components—including multiple-choice and theory—on computer systems. This transition follows the CBT format already used by JAMB for the UTME.

Reasons for Moving WAEC and NECO Exams to CBT

According to the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, the decision to implement CBT for WAEC and NECO comes after concerns about:

Rampant exam malpractice in conventional centers
The rise of “miracle centers” offering illegal support
The poor performance in public exams like the 2025 UTME, where most candidates scored below 200 out of 400

The CBT reform aims to:

Curb cheating and enhance exam integrity
Deliver more reliable and credible results
Align all national examinations with digital best practices

CBT Transition Timeline for WAEC and NECO

Here’s the official timeline for the rollout:

November 2025 – CBT begins with objective papers only
May–June 2026 – Full CBT implementation, including essay (theory) and practicals

What Students and Schools Should Do Now

Students in SS1 and SS2 who will sit for WAEC or NECO from 2026 must begin:

Learning basic computer skills such as typing, mouse navigation, and online test navigation
Practicing with CBT mock platforms to get used to answering questions on-screen
Using e-resources and digital past questions to simulate computer-based exam settings

Schools should:

Set up ICT labs or upgrade existing ones
Organize CBT training sessions for both students and teachers
Work with government and private tech partners to prepare adequately

Benefits of WAEC and NECO CBT Implementation

Faster Result Processing: Students can expect quicker access to results
Reduced Exam Fraud: Automated systems will limit impersonation and paper leaks
Improved Monitoring: Real-time supervision and analytics at exam centers
Nationwide ICT Development: Schools and candidates will become more digitally equipped

Final Thoughts on WAEC and NECO’s CBT Future

As WAEC and NECO exams move to CBT, students must begin early academic and technical preparation. This reform is designed to modernize the assessment process and ensure Nigeria’s examination system aligns with global standards.