In a groundbreaking stride toward educational modernization, Nigeria is set to make history with the launch of its first fully digital West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in 2025. Announced on April 25, 2025, by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Nigeria, this initiative will see over 1.9 million students participate in a computer-based testing (CBT) format, marking a seismic shift from the traditional pen-and-paper model. This bold move positions Nigeria as a trailblazer in West Africa, but it also raises questions about readiness, equity, and the future of assessments.
The WASSCE, a rite of passage for secondary school students across English-speaking West Africa, has long been a paper-based affair, plagued by logistical challenges such as delayed result releases and examination malpractices. The transition to a digital format aims to address these issues while aligning Nigeria with global trends in educational technology. According to WAEC’s Head of National Office, Dr. Amos Dangut, the CBT WASSCE will leverage secure online platforms to deliver multiple-choice and essay questions, with results processed in record time. “This is a game-changer,” Dr. Dangut stated. “We’re not just testing students; we’re preparing them for a digital world.”
The rollout follows a successful pilot conducted in 2024, where 10,000 students in urban centers like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt took digital mock exams. The pilot revealed significant advantages: faster grading, reduced human error, and enhanced security through biometric verification. WAEC has partnered with tech firms like Sidmach Technologies and the Nigerian Communications Commission to establish over 5,000 CBT centers nationwide, equipped with computers, solar-powered generators, and high-speed internet. These centers aim to accommodate the massive candidate pool, though rural areas remain a concern.
For students, the digital WASSCE promises a more streamlined experience. Chiamaka, a 16-year-old candidate from Enugu, expressed excitement: “I’m used to taking JAMB CBT, so this feels familiar. Plus, we’ll get our results faster.” The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) transitioned to CBT in 2015, providing a blueprint for WAEC’s initiative. However, unlike JAMB, which focuses solely on multiple-choice questions, the WASSCE includes essay components, requiring sophisticated software to evaluate written responses. WAEC has assured stakeholders that artificial intelligence will assist in grading essays, ensuring fairness and accuracy.
Despite the optimism, challenges abound. Nigeria’s digital divide is a formidable hurdle, with many rural schools lacking basic electricity, let alone computer labs. A 2024 UNESCO report estimated that only 30% of Nigerian secondary schools have functional ICT facilities. To bridge this gap, WAEC has introduced mobile testing units—vans equipped with laptops and satellite internet—to reach remote areas. Yet, critics argue that this is a stopgap measure. “You can’t digitize exams without digitizing classrooms first,” said Professor Ngozi Osarenren, a former Commissioner for Education in Edo State. She advocates for sustained investment in school infrastructure to ensure equitable access.
Teacher preparedness is another concern. Many educators, particularly in public schools, lack the digital literacy to prepare students for CBT. WAEC has launched crash training programs, but with only weeks to go, the scale of the task is daunting. Students, too, face a learning curve. While urban students with access to smartphones and internet cafes may adapt quickly, their rural counterparts risk being left behind. The government’s promise of free digital literacy classes has yet to materialize in many states, fueling fears of a skewed playing field.
Examination malpractice, a perennial issue, also looms large. While CBT reduces physical leakages, cyber threats like hacking and phishing pose new risks. WAEC has invested in robust cybersecurity measures, including end-to-end encryption and real-time monitoring, but the system’s resilience will be tested under the weight of 1.9 million users. The recent revocation of licences for 574 schools involved in malpractices underscores WAEC’s commitment to integrity, but the digital transition demands even greater vigilance.
The broader implications of this shift are profound. A successful digital WASSCE could catalyze Nigeria’s ed-tech ecosystem, spurring innovations in online learning and assessment. It also aligns with the Federal Government’s Digital Economy Policy, which seeks to position Nigeria as a tech hub by 2030. However, success hinges on inclusivity. Ensuring that every student, regardless of location or socioeconomic status, can participate is non-negotiable.
As Nigeria embarks on this digital odyssey, the world is watching. The 2025 WASSCE is not just an exam; it’s a statement of intent—a declaration that Nigeria’s education system can embrace the future without leaving anyone behind. The journey is fraught with challenges, but the potential rewards are limitless.
