WAEC Paves the Way for Fully Digital WASSCE by 2026
The West African Examination Council (WAEC) has made a significant declaration, confirming that the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) will fully transition to computer-based testing (CBT) by 2026. This landmark decision underscores WAEC’s strategic commitment to modernizing the examination process and robustly tackling prevalent issues of examination malpractice across the region. The move aligns with a broader push towards digital adoption in Africa’s educational landscape, aiming for greater efficiency, transparency, and security in high-stakes assessments.
The Phased Rollout and Readiness for Digital Transformation
The journey towards this full-scale digital transformation has already commenced, as highlighted by Dr. Amos Dangut, Head of WAEC’s National Office, in a recent statement. He indicated that the initial phase of the CBT system was successfully implemented during the November/December 2024 WASSCE for private candidates. This pilot program has reportedly yielded encouraging results, giving WAEC the confidence to escalate its plans. Dr. Dangut affirmed the examination body’s readiness for a complete nationwide transition, stating, “We have conducted five exams already, one for private candidates and one for school candidates, and by 2026, deployment will be massive.” This phased approach demonstrates a methodical preparation for the substantial shift. Addressing concerns regarding the necessary infrastructure and security protocols to safeguard against potential cyberattacks, WAEC maintained that it has already successfully administered exams in even remote regions without any recorded disruptions, signaling their preparedness for the challenges inherent in a widespread digital deployment.
This bold step by WAEC signifies a pivotal moment for education technology and examination standards within West Africa. The full adoption of CBT for WASSCE by 2026 promises to revolutionize how students are assessed, fostering an environment where meritocracy is upheld and the integrity of results is uncompromised. As digital literacy becomes increasingly vital, this initiative not only enhances examination security but also prepares students for a future driven by technology, further cementing WAEC’s role as a progressive examination body.
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