WAEC to Students: Get Familiar with CBT Exam Ahead of 2026
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has urged all secondary school students, especially those preparing for the 2026 May/June WASSCE, to start getting familiar with Computer-Based Testing (CBT). This comes as the council officially confirmed that the 2026 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) will be conducted fully through computers.
The announcement was made by the Head of National Office (HNO) of WAEC Nigeria, Dr. Amos Dangut, during a public sensitization rally held in Lagos on Wednesday. The event is part of WAEC’s nationwide awareness campaign to prepare schools, teachers, and students for the new CBT format.
WAEC 2026: Transition from Paper to Computer-Based Exams
According to Dr. Dangut, the move to a full computer-based examination system marks a significant step in modernizing WAEC’s operations and improving the integrity and efficiency of the examination process. He explained that the 2026 WASSCE will be the first school-based exam conducted entirely via CBT — a format previously used for private candidates in GCE.
“The sensitization campaign already covers both urban and rural areas. We want every student, teacher, and parent to be aware that WAEC will conduct the next school exam using CBT. This is not just for the big cities, every Nigerian student, no matter their location, must be ready,” Dangut said.
He added that the goal is to make students confident and comfortable using computers before the exam begins. Schools have also been encouraged to set up basic ICT facilities or collaborate with nearby CBT centres to provide practice opportunities for their students.
WAEC Explains Removal of Trade Subjects from CASS Portal
In addition to the CBT announcement, WAEC addressed public concerns about the recent removal of Trade Subjects from the Continuous Assessment Scores (CASS) portal. Dr. Dangut clarified that the decision was not made by WAEC but was a directive from the Federal Government and other key education stakeholders.
He emphasized that the change aligns with the revised national secondary school curriculum approved for SS3 students who will sit for the 2026 WASSCE. The affected trade subjects, according to him, have been reviewed, merged, or renamed to fit into the new structure.
“WAEC does not act independently. We follow the directives of the education authorities in Nigeria. The removal of trade subjects was not our decision — it was part of the nationwide curriculum reform,” he explained.
ALSO READ: WAEC CBT Requirements for Schools: Your Guide to the 2026 Exam Change!
No Need for Panic — WAEC Reassures Students and Schools
Dr. Dangut further assured schools and students that the new arrangement will not disadvantage any candidate. Most of the previously listed trade subjects have been incorporated under new titles, and the core curriculum content remains largely unchanged.
He urged teachers to focus on the revised subjects as listed in the official WAEC 2026 Subject Combination Guide and prepare students accordingly. He also dismissed online rumours suggesting that some subjects had been abolished, describing such reports as misleading.
“Keeping outdated trade subjects on the portal would not serve any purpose since they are no longer part of the official curriculum. The goal is to streamline and modernize the entire assessment process,” he concluded.
WAEC Advice to Students: Start Practicing Computer-Based Tests
As Nigeria’s largest secondary school examination body, WAEC move to a full CBT system represents a huge shift for schools and students. Candidates are strongly encouraged to start practicing online CBT questions using past WAEC questions and answers to become comfortable with the format.
WAEC also advised students to pay attention to typing, navigation, and time management during practice sessions, as these skills will be essential for performing well in a digital exam environment.
Key Takeaways for WAEC 2026 Candidates
- The 2026 WAEC May/June SSCE will be fully Computer-Based.
- All students should begin familiarizing themselves with computers and CBT test environments.
- Trade Subjects have been removed from the CASS portal due to curriculum reform.
- WAEC urges schools to set up ICT centres or collaborate with approved CBT venues.
- Students are advised to follow official WAEC updates via trusted sources such as masterwaec.com.
ALSO READ: Newly Released WAEC Subject Combinations for 2026 Examination
Final Thoughts
The 2026 WAEC CBT marks a new era in Nigeria’s secondary school examination system, making digital literacy more important than ever. Students who start early to practice and adapt to the computer-based format will have a clear advantage when the exams begin.
For verified updates on WAEC 2026 syllabus, past questions, subject combinations, and registration details, always visit MasterWAEC.com — your trusted guide for WAEC, NECO, and JAMB news.
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.
