School Head Backs JAMB-Led Push For WAEC, NECO Computer Exams
Principal Calls for JAMB Support in CBT Transition
A school principal has urged the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to provide technical guidance and institutional support to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) as both bodies prepare for full Computer-Based Testing (CBT) examinations.
The call comes amid ongoing national efforts to modernise Nigeria’s examination system and reduce malpractice through technology-driven assessment models. Recent federal directives have already set timelines for WAEC and NECO to transition to CBT formats.
Why JAMB Is Seen as the Model
JAMB is widely regarded as Nigeria’s most established large-scale CBT examination body, having conducted millions of candidates annually through the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Over the years, the board has built a nationwide network of accredited CBT centres, biometric verification systems, digital scheduling processes and result-processing mechanisms.
Education stakeholders say these systems position JAMB to serve as a practical mentor for WAEC and NECO during their own transition.
Benefits of Shared Experience
Analysts note that collaboration among examination bodies could help in several key areas:
Technical Infrastructure
Reliable computers, power supply, networking systems and secure centres.
Staff Training
Supervisors, invigilators and administrators need digital competence.
Security Measures
Anti-cheating systems, identity checks and encrypted question delivery.
Candidate Familiarity
Students require orientation and practice exposure before high-stakes exams.
Without proper coordination, experts warn, implementation gaps could create confusion for candidates and schools.
WAEC and NECO Face Bigger Complexity
Unlike JAMB’s centralised admission test, WAEC and NECO handle school-based secondary examinations involving practicals, essays and multi-subject timetables across thousands of schools.
That makes their CBT transition more complex.
Essay marking systems, rural connectivity, device availability and multiple-session scheduling remain among the challenges policymakers must solve.
Push to Reduce Malpractice
Government officials have repeatedly linked CBT reform to the need to curb examination malpractice, question leakage and impersonation.
Supporters argue that digital exams can improve transparency, shorten result timelines and strengthen confidence in certificates.
However, critics caution that technology alone cannot solve integrity problems without enforcement and institutional discipline.
Students Need Protection During Reform
Many parents and educators insist the transition must not disadvantage candidates from underserved communities with limited computer exposure.
They argue that pilot testing, mock exams and phased implementation will be critical to fairness.
Bigger Education Reform Signal
The principal’s recommendation reflects a growing consensus: Nigeria should not treat each examination body in isolation.
If JAMB’s experience is effectively shared, WAEC and NECO may avoid costly mistakes and accelerate a smoother shift into the digital era.
