Senator Ekong Sampson, representing Akwa Ibom South, has commended the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) for migrating to the computer-based test format for its examinations, describing it as a bold innovation.
The lawmaker noted, however, that the foremost exam body was still being faced with challenges of necessary infrastructure and manpower to adequately drive the transition.
He pointed out that while the CBT move was a step in the right direction, it should be properly implemented so as not to disenfranchise any Nigerian student in the process.
Senator Sampson stated this Tuesday, when he declared open the sensitisation workshop on the computer-based WAEC programme for members of the National Assembly, held at the Nigeria Air Force Conference Centre, Kado, Abuja. The CB-WASSCE is set for full take-off in 2026.
Sampson is the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education (Basic & Secondary). He stood in at the event for the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Lawal Usman (Kaduna Central).
Also present was the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education, Hon. Oboku Oforji, alongside other members of the National Assembly.
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Addressing the gathering, Senator Sampson, a well-known advocate for education, said that the time was right for WAEC and other bodies to embrace technology-based innovation in exam management in Nigeria, in line with global trends. He lauded efforts by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration in driving strategic policies aimed at elevating the standard and deepening access to education for Nigerians.
The Onomkpoinam of Mkpat Enin announced that he has constructed three CBT Centres in Akwa Ibom South, which are set for commissioning later this month, in furtherance of the need for technology within our education space.
Sampson, who chairs the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, assured the collaboration of the National Assembly with the Ministry of Education and other key stakeholders to advance the implementation of the CBT transition.
Minister of Education Dr Tunji Alausa, in his speech, described the migration as a historic step that aligns with ongoing reforms in curriculum, infrastructure, and digital learning tools. “With WAEC leading this transition, we are confident that the credibility and merit-based outcomes of our examinations will be further secured,” he said.
Earlier in his address, the Head of the National Office of WAEC, Dr Amos Dangut, noted that the transition, which began with private candidates in 2024, had already recorded significant progress and would be scaled up nationwide.
Dangut explained further that mock sessions and online practice platforms have been put in place to help candidates familiarise themselves with the system, adding that there are also backup plans for other options so that no student would be left behind.
Others who spoke at the event were the Chairman, House of Reps Committee on Basic Education, Hon. Oboku Oforji; Senator Victor Umeh, a member of the Committee; Hajiya Binta Abdulkadir, Chairman of the WAEC Board; Alhaji Muhammad Ibn Musa; and the National President of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Public Schools (ANCOPPS); and others.
