2026 WAEC: Non-negotiables for participating schools revealed 

The West African Examinations Council, WAEC, has handed down a fresh set of tough directives to schools ahead of the full migration of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) by 2026.

Speaking in Port Harcourt on Thursday during a sensitisation programme, WAEC’s Head of Examinations, Mr. Lucky Njoagwuani, said participating schools must brace up and provide key facilities if they want to host the exams within their premises.

According to him, each school is expected to put in place at least 250 functional laptops with a 10 per cent backup, a robust server capable of running 250 systems simultaneously, and a Local Area Network setup.

Other compulsory requirements include:

Functional air conditioners and proper lighting,

Uninterrupted electricity supply,

A 40kVA (minimum) backup generator,

CCTV cameras,

A holding or reception room for candidates.

Njoagwuani explained that the new move would cut down logistics costs, improve exam security, and expand access.

“We started with the fourth series of our private candidate exam two years ago and it was successful. This year’s private candidate exam, second series, is fully computer-based with no pen-and-paper option. By next year, the school candidate exam will be fully CBT as well,” he said.

On his part, WAEC’s Port Harcourt Zonal Coordinator, Mr. Adeniran-Amusan Akim, warned schools to begin upgrading their ICT centres in line with WAEC standards, stressing: “WAEC will not lower the bar. Any school unable to meet the requirements will be moved to designated centres.”

Also speaking, the Rivers State Chairman of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, Mr. Sunday Jaja, urged school owners to tap into funding opportunities from the Bank of Industry and the Federal Government’s MSME intervention fund to finance the transition.

“Technology is shaping modern education. This initiative will enable schools to stay ahead and prepare students for the digital age,” Jaja said.