The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has cautioned that the planned shift to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) by WAEC and NECO will not, on its own, curb examination malpractice.
NUT National President, Comrade Audu Amba, gave this warning during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, June 8, in Abuja, while reacting to the Federal Government’s directive for the full transition to CBT by 2026.
According to NAN, both WAEC and NECO are expected to administer all exams, including multiple-choice and essay sections, via computer starting from the May/June 2026 cycle.
WAEC is also scheduled to begin CBT-based objective exams by November 2025.
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, who issued the directive, said the move would “enhance efficiency and reduce malpractices.”
But Amba argued that malpractice is more deeply rooted in the system’s obsession with certificates and grades.
“We have placed more emphasis on certificates. What is your grade? What are your scores? Not minding the intellectual intelligence of that student,” he said.
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“The students will go out of their way to make sure that they get the marks that will give them the certificate,” Amba added, noting that this drive often includes parental support for unethical practices.
He also expressed concern over the digital divide among teachers and students, particularly in rural areas.
“We are talking about CBT exams. Where is the light, manpower, and network? You see, we have a long way to go,” he said.
“How many of our teachers in our localities are even computer literate? We don’t sit down within the city and give a directive that cannot be implemented. In my village, for instance, network ceases.
“You can’t get it until you get to a particular place, and so it is in many of our villages. There are also some of our students that have not seen a computer before, not to talk of operating it.”
Amba stressed that before introducing CBT on a national scale, several foundational issues need to be addressed.
He urged all relevant stakeholders to collaborate in reforming the education system to better serve students and the nation.