The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has shifted its full transition to computer-based testing for the Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE) from 2026 to 2027
The May/June WASSCE in 2026 will now serve only as a pilot phase, giving students the option of writing their papers either on computer or with the traditional paper-and-pen method.
This adjustment was revealed by the Chairman of WAEC’s Nigeria National Committee (NNC), Hajia Binta Abdulkadir, during the opening of the 63rd NNC annual meeting in Umuahia, Abia State. She explained that the exam body is aware of concerns raised by stakeholders regarding the federal government’s earlier directive mandating all examination bodies to adopt full CBT by 2026.
She assured that no candidate would be disadvantaged during the transition, saying WAEC has already begun training senior secondary students on the use of tablets and digital tools for answering essay questions as part of its preparation.
Speaking on the revised Basic and Secondary School Curricula, Abdulkadir noted that candidates would not be limited in their subject choices. She clarified that science students are still free to select subjects like Economics to complete their required combinations. She also confirmed that the window for uploading Continuous Assessment Scores (CASS) has been extended to accommodate those registering for new subjects under the updated curriculum.
During the event, WAEC honoured the top performers in the 2024 May/June examination. The overall best candidate nationwide, Ajisafe Qoreebullah Olamilekan of Eemaan Foundation College, Osogbo, received the National Distinction Award after scoring 580.8535 points, with A1 grades in eight subjects. He is currently studying Medicine and Surgery at the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila Orangun.
The second- and third-best candidates, Joan Eberechukwu Onovo and Chibukem Mac-Donald Mbah, were also celebrated for their outstanding achievement. All three top candidates came from private schools and are currently medical students in different universities.
WAEC also recognised the best male and female visually impaired candidates, 23-year-old Ugwu Christian Chiemerie and Miss Abiodun Taye Olubunmi, who excelled despite their challenges. Christian is now studying Law at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, while Taye is at the University of Ilorin studying Guidance and Counselling.
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, represented by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, praised WAEC for its commitment to credible examinations and for its proactive measures to curb malpractice. He described these steps as essential to protecting the future of Nigerian students.
In his remarks, WAEC’s Head of National Office, Dr Amos Dangut, said the various awards were introduced to promote excellence and healthy competition among students and schools nationwide. He urged the winners to remain focused as they advance in their studies.
Hajia Abdulkadir also commended the awardees and assured that the Federal Government would continue supporting WAEC to ensure Nigerian students remain globally competitive.
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