Secondary schools across Nigeria may be forced to spend as much as ₦1.6 trillion to meet new West African Examinations Council (WAEC) requirements for computer-based testing (CBT) in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
From 2025, WAEC will only accredit centres with at least 250 functional computers, a robust server, CCTV cameras and other infrastructure. Schools unable to comply will have their candidates reassigned to external centres.
Estimates suggest that 250 fairly used desktop computers cost between ₦62.5 million and ₦75 million per school. With 23,554 approved WASSCE centres nationwide, the total bill could exceed ₦ 1.6 trillion.
Educators warn that the costs could marginalise rural schools already struggling with poor facilities. “Beyond the purchasing costs, schools would face challenges of power, internet, maintenance and security,” said teacher Joy Ogbe.
Critics also argue that the timeline is too ambitious, noting that in the UK, GCSEs remain paper-based, with partial digitisation only expected to begin in 2026.
While some stakeholders welcomed the shift as a step towards curbing malpractice, many argued it would be unrealistic without phased implementation, government subsidies or private-sector partnerships.
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