WAEC Confirms 2026 Computer-Based WASSCE Pilot Still On Track — Dismisses Suspension Rumours
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has reassured the public that its planned migration of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) to a Computer-Based Examination (CBE) format remains on schedule, despite widespread reports suggesting a suspension.
The clarification came from the Head of the Nigeria National Office (HNO), Dr. Amos Dangut, following the 63rd Nigeria National Committee (NNC) meeting held in Umuahia, Abia State.
According to Dangut, WAEC has not received any official directive from the National Assembly or the Federal Government instructing it to halt or delay the transition.
“We are only hearing public discussions. We have searched and found no formal communication,” he said. “WAEC is a structured organisation. We act only on official directives.”
2026 WASSCE: Only Pilot Testing, Not Full CBT
WAEC emphasized that it never announced a full nationwide switch to CBT for the 2026 WASSCE.
Instead:
- Only pilot testing will be conducted,
- In schools that already have functional ICT facilities,
- Schools without facilities will use community-based CBE centers,
- No candidate will be forced into CBT if their school is not equipped.
This clarification comes amid fears that the House of Representatives had ordered WAEC to suspend the computer-based migration.
Three Categories of Schools Identified for the CBT Plan
WAEC disclosed that its nationwide ICT-readiness assessment classified schools into three groups:
- Schools not ready for any CBT Will require alternative arrangements.
- Schools capable of objective-only CBT Can conduct multiple-choice papers on computer.
- Schools with full digital capacity Able to handle objectives, essays, and even practicals via computer.
This classification will guide logistics for the 2026 pilot examinations.
New Curriculum: Two Subjects Not Included in 2026–2027 WASSCE
Addressing curriculum-related concerns, Dr. Dangut explained that the newly introduced core subjects:
- Citizenship and Heritage Studies
- Digital Technologies
will not be examined in 2026 and 2027.
Their syllabuses are still under development and will only be assessed from 2028.
For now, candidates for the 2026 and 2027 WASSCE will write:
- English Language
- General Mathematics
- One trade subject
- Additional electives to reach 8–9 subjects total.
Streamlined Trade Subjects: What Students Should Know
The Federal Government recently reduced trade subjects from 26 to 6, while renaming some without altering curriculum content.
A newly approved subject, Horticulture and Crop Production, emerged from Agricultural Science.
Dangut assured parents and schools that students would not be forced to abandon familiar subjects.
“Science students will not be barred from taking Economics,” he emphasized.
CASS Upload Period Extended for Schools
To ensure fairness, WAEC extended the timeline for schools to upload Continuous Assessment Scores (CASS):
- Schools will have more time to conduct at least three assessments,
- Especially for students offering newly approved subjects,
- Ensuring full compliance with registration requirements.
WAEC Debunks Claims of Poor Consultation
Dr. Dangut stressed that major education stakeholders are represented on the Council, including:
- The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT)
- The All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS)
- Other education bodies
He insisted that WAEC never takes decisions alone, contrary to public speculation.
Improved Performance Seen in Early CBE Trials
WAEC urged the media and public to focus on the long-term benefits of CBT, noting that previous pilot tests have shown:
- Higher student performance,
- Malpractice levels dropping below international thresholds,
- Strong enthusiasm from students in equipped schools.
Final Takeaway
WAEC’s message is clear:
- No suspension has been issued.
- The 2026 pilot for computer-based WASSCE will go ahead.
- Full migration will depend on infrastructure readiness and official directives.
WAEC says it remains committed to a smooth, inclusive, and well-prepared transition that supports learning and protects students.
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Kolade Kayode, known as Mr. KK, I am a Nigerian education blogger and founder of MasterWAEC.com. Passionate about student success, I simplifies WAEC exam preparation with accurate tips and resources to help students excel.
