The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has conducted a trial test on essay writing ahead of the Computer-Based WASSCE for School Candidates scheduled to begin in 2026. The exercise was led by the Head of WAEC’s Nigeria National Office, Dr Amos Dangut, on Thursday at the WAEC Training and Testing Centre, Ogba, Lagos.
Senior secondary school students took part in the test, which was designed to familiarise them with the new computer-based format that combines both objective and essay components. According to Dangut, the initiative aims to prepare candidates for full digital examination participation while bridging technological gaps among schools across the country.
Recall that the council had, in September, reaffirmed its plan to migrate the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) to a fully Computer-Based Test (CBT) format by 2026. It noted that the transition, which began with private candidates in 2024, has already made “significant progress” and will be expanded nationwide before next year’s deadline.
Addressing the students, Dangut said they were making history as the first group to attempt a full computer-based test combining both objectives and essays. He explained that while some schools will take both components online, others in areas without computer access will continue using the traditional essay format.
“Our goal is to create an inclusive system where every student can write conveniently, regardless of location,” Dangut stated. He added that the new system would make the examination more efficient and accessible, ensuring fairness and comfort for all participating candidates.
Dangut reaffirmed WAEC’s commitment to maintaining the integrity and credibility of its examinations while helping students achieve academic excellence. He also urged students to embrace digital learning, describing technology-driven examinations as the future of education and a key to global competitiveness.
