WAEC Confirms 2026 Computer-Based WASSCE Pilot Still On Track — No Suspension, No Delay

WAEC Confirms 2026 Computer-Based WASSCE Pilot Still On Track — No Suspension, No Delay

For the past few weeks, social media has been buzzing with claims that the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has suspended its plan to introduce Computer-Based Examinations (CBE) for WASSCE starting in 2026. Many students, parents, and teachers have been worried, confused, and unsure of what to expect.

But now, WAEC has officially cleared the air and the real truth is very different from the rumours circulating online.

At the 63rd Nigeria National Committee (NNC) meeting held in Umuahia, Abia State, the Head of WAEC Nigeria, Dr. Amos Dangut, confirmed that the 2026 WASSCE Computer-Based Examination pilot is still very much on track, and nothing has been suspended.

WAEC said it has not received any official letter or instruction from the Federal Government or the National Assembly stopping the process.

“We are only hearing public discussions. We have searched and found no formal communication,” Dr. Amos Dangut, WAEC Nigeria HNO.

According to him, WAEC is a structured organisation that only responds to official directives, not rumours.

If you want accurate WAEC, NECO, and JAMB updates without misinformation, always follow BestExamHub.com.ng, we break every update first and explain it clearly for students.

No Full CBT in 2026, Only Pilot Testing for Selected Schools

One major misunderstanding online is the idea that WAEC will force every student in Nigeria to write a full CBT exam in 2026.

This is incorrect.

Here is the real plan:

• 2026 will involve pilot testing only, not full implementation.
• Only schools with functional ICT facilities will take part.
• Schools without computers will use community-based CBT centres.
• No student will be forced to write CBT if their school is not equipped.

So instead of a “full switch,” WAEC is simply testing the system to ensure it works properly before a nationwide rollout.

This clarification also came after rumours that the House of Representatives asked WAEC to suspend the CBT transition. WAEC says this is false.

How WAEC Classified Schools for the 2026 CBT Pilot

To avoid confusion and ensure fairness, WAEC conducted a nationwide ICT readiness assessment. Schools were grouped into three categories:

1. Schools Not Ready for Any CBT

These schools have no ICT equipment and will require alternative arrangements.

2. Schools That Can Handle Objective-Only CBT

These schools can comfortably conduct multiple-choice papers using computers.

3. Schools Fully Ready for Complete CBT

These schools have the capacity for CBT-based objectives, essays, and even practical tests.

This classification ensures that the pilot exam will run smoothly without putting unnecessary pressure on any school.

New Curriculum Update: Two Subjects Will Not Be Examined in 2026–2027

Many schools have been asking whether new subjects from the updated curriculum will be included in the 2026 WASSCE. WAEC has now clarified that two core subjects:

• Citizenship and Heritage Studies
• Digital Technologies

will not be examined in 2026 or 2027 because their syllabuses are still being developed.

These subjects will only be available for examination starting 2028.

For the 2026 and 2027 WASSCE sessions, students will still take:

• English Language
• General Mathematics
• One trade subject
• Additional electives to make a total of 8–9 subjects

Trade Subjects Reduced From 26 to 6

To reduce overload and confusion, the Federal Government reduced the number of trade subjects from 26 to 6.

Some subjects were renamed but their content remained the same.

A new subject, Horticulture and Crop Production, was also added from the Agricultural Science category.

Importantly, WAEC reassured students that nobody will be forced to drop familiar subjects.

“Science students will not be barred from taking Economics,”
— Dr. Dangut.

This means the flexibility of the Nigerian secondary school system remains intact.

Extended CASS Upload Period — More Time for Schools

WAEC also announced that it has extended the period for schools to upload Continuous Assessment Scores (CASS). This gives schools more time to:

• Conduct at least three assessments per subject.
• Handle newly approved subjects.
• Ensure proper documentation for all candidates.
• This extension helps reduce pressure on schools and ensures fairness to all students.

WAEC Denies Lack of Stakeholder Consultation

Some people have accused WAEC of making decisions without involving education stakeholders.

But WAEC strongly debunked this. According to Dr. Dangut, the Council already includes key stakeholders such as:

• Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT)
• ANCOPSS (Principals)
• Representatives from states and education bodies

No major decision is made in isolation.

Students Performed Better During Earlier CBT Trials

WAEC encouraged Nigerians to focus on the benefits of transitioning to CBT. The Council revealed that early pilot tests showed:

Students performed better on CBT platforms.

Exam malpractice dropped below international thresholds.

Students from equipped schools showed high enthusiasm.

This suggests that CBT could help reduce cheating, improve the exam process, and speed up results in the future.

Conclusion

Here is the summary of WAEC’s official position:

• No suspension has been issued by the government.
• The 2026 computer-based WASSCE pilot will go ahead as planned.
• Full implementation will depend on ICT readiness and official government approval.
• The transition will be gradual, fair, and properly supervised.

For the most accurate WAEC, NECO, and JAMB updates, visit BestExamHub.com.ng. your trusted exam news partner.

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