Head of the Nigeria National Office of the West African Examinations Council, WAEC, Mr. Amos Dangut, has reaffirmed the Council’s readiness to fully implement the Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination, CB-WASSCE, beginning with the examination for private candidates scheduled for November 2025.
Speaking during an awareness campaign on the upcoming digital transition, Mr. Dangut assured Nigerians that the computer-based examination was not a pilot or a future concept but a proven reality.
“Some people are still doubting, some people are still wondering whether the computer-based WASSCE is a reality or not. Even though we have conducted five of such examinations, they still think it is a dream. But it’s not a dream, it’s a reality,” he declared.
He described WAEC as a trailblazer in digital examinations, emphasizing that the Council remains the premier and foremost computer-based examination body in the world.
Addressing concerns about internet access in rural areas, he assured that every registered candidate, regardless of location, would be able to write the examination seamlessly.
“Whether the candidate is offshore or onshore, in the UK or anywhere, once they register for our exam, they will write it,” he said confidently.
The WAEC boss also took time to dispel rumours circulating on social media that the Council had arbitrarily removed some subjects from its portal. He clarified that the adjustment followed directives from the Federal Government of Nigeria, which recently reviewed and streamlined trade-related subjects in the national curriculum.
“WAEC does not act arbitrarily. We are law-abiding and responsive to stakeholders’ mandates. Some subjects have been modified, but the content and syllabus remain the same,” he explained.
Mr. Dangut further highlighted the benefits of the computer-based model, noting that it eliminates logistical delays, enhances examination credibility, and significantly reduces malpractice.
“Records from the five examinations we have conducted show lower malpractice rates and better performance by candidates,” he said.
He also justified the Council’s ongoing nationwide sensitization exercise, stressing that it was necessary to prepare candidates and schools for the new examination format.
“You cannot test a candidate without preparing them for what to expect. That’s why we are sensitizing them and giving them opportunities to try the system before the exams,” he added.
Mr. Dangut expressed gratitude to stakeholders for their support and reaffirmed WAEC’s commitment to leveraging technology to promote credible and efficient assessment processes across West Africa.
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