January 31, 2025
The Federal Ministry of Education has set a 2027 deadline to transition the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) to a fully computer-based system.
Over the years, examination bodies in Nigeria have been working towards full digitization, but challenges persist. In 2023, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) adopted a hybrid approach, where objective tests were conducted electronically, while essay and practical papers remained partially digital.
New Committee to Oversee Examination Reforms
Speaking at the inauguration of a committee on examination quality improvement in Abuja on Thursday, Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eliminating examination malpractice and standardizing examination practices.
The committee is chaired by Ishaq Oloyede, the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), and is tasked with:
Alausa stressed that tackling examination malpractice requires a holistic approach, as students are not the only culprits. He pointed out that:
To address this, the government is introducing new security measures and increasing funding for education with a strong focus on human capital development.
New Security Features for Examination Certificates
Starting from the May–July examination cycle, certificates issued by WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB will include:
These measures aim to prevent identity fraud and ensure the authenticity of examination results.
Looking Ahead: Digital Transformation by 2027
The minister emphasized that technology is key to addressing these challenges and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making all national examinations fully computer-based by 2027.
“This transition will require thorough planning, but we are determined to make it happen,” Alausa stated.
With these reforms, the government aims to create a more credible and efficient examination system, ensuring fairness and quality in Nigeria’s education sector.
Last Modified: 2025-02-01 18:00:14
