Pilot Programs Underway in Nigeria

• The Federal Government has kick-started the digital transformation with a pilot CBT SSCE (Senior Secondary Certificate Examination) conducted by NECO at Sascon International School, Maitama, Abuja. The pilot was widely praised as a “remarkable demonstration of possibility, preparedness, and progress.” (FMINO)
• The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, reiterated that objective exams will shift to CBT from November 2025, with full migration—including essay components—expected by May/June 2026. (The Nation Newspaper, FMINO, The Guardian Nigeria)
• NECO, WAEC, and the Ministry are coordinating efforts to deploy privately-owned CBT centres, alongside public institution facilities, for the school-based SSCE by 2026—moving away from conducting exams in schools. (THISDAYLIVE, Punch News)
• The Ministry of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, emphasized that the rollout must be inclusive, ensuring that no student—urban or rural—is disadvantaged during the transition. (THISDAYLIVE, Vanguard News)

Learning from Other African Countries

• Kenya and South Africa have already integrated partial CBT components in key national examinations. Kenya, for instance, has experimented with computer-based objective tests, especially in subjects like sciences and mathematics.
• In South Africa, certain provincial exams and professional certifications are now delivered digitally, with a strong emphasis on invigilated CBT centres and parallel paper-based systems for remote or underserved regions.

Key lessons include:

1. Phased implementation—starting with objective sections before expanding to essays and more complex formats.
2. The importance of robust infrastructure—reliable power, internet backup, and technical support at all exam centres.
3. A hybrid rollout strategy—maintaining paper-based formats in areas lacking digital readiness until infrastructure catches up.

How States and Schools Can Prepare

Infrastructure & Facilities

• Invest in solar-powered computer labs—especially critical in areas with erratic electricity supply.
• Public–private partnerships—collaborations with tech companies and NGOs can help equip schools with the necessary hardware and software.

Training & Capacity Building

• Train teachers and exam supervisors in managing CBT systems and proctoring digital assessments.
• Run mock CBT sessions for students to develop digital confidence and familiarity before the exams.

Ensuring Equity & Accessibility

• Establish mobile CBT labs or hubs that travel to remote schools for scheduled examination cycles.
• Set up special accommodations for students with disabilities, such as adaptive software, extended time options, or assistive devices.

Policy & Advocacy

• Engage state governments, PTAs, and educational unions to champion investment and ensure transparency in implementation.
• Encourage monitoring and feedback mechanisms, where students and teachers report issues promptly.

Summary Table

Final Thoughts

Nigeria’s pilot phase—such as NECO’s successful CBT SSCE at Sascon—provides a firm foundation. Yet the roadmap requires strategic scaling, infrastructure investments, and inclusive approaches to ensure a fair and sustainable transition to digital assessments. Drawing on African peers’ experiences, the country can mitigate risks and build a resilient system that enhances exam integrity and access.