•JAMB candidates
With major examination bodies in Nigeria, including WAEC and JAMB, set to fully digitalize their exams from 2026, education experts and stakeholders are calling for stronger infrastructure, improved connectivity, and wider sensitization to ensure a smooth transition.
At an engagement themed “Connectivity and the Cost/Integrity of National Examinations in Nigeria” organised by DIniti8tive and Quality Education Development Associates (QEDA), participants expressed optimism that digitalization will enhance the quality and integrity of external examinations in the country.
Delivering the keynote address, former Aviation Minister Barrister Osita Chidoka said the future of education lies in the digital revolution, reports The Nation.
He urged the government to strengthen computer-based testing (CBT), insisting that challenges such as glitches in digital platforms should not deter progress, as “the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.”
He further called on telecom companies to boost signal strength and exam bodies to provide offline backup facilities to safeguard candidates during network failures.
Constitutional lawyer Evans Ufeli suggested a phased 10-year transition to allow for infrastructure development and public sensitization.
WAEC official Audu Emmanuel disclosed that the body has already distributed servers to nearly all exam centres after successful pilot tests, adding that past challenges have improved WAEC’s readiness.
QEDA’s Nurudeen Lawal revealed that 1.9 million students have been registered for the 2026 CBT exams, stressing the need for government support, teacher training, and reliable power solutions, including solar and inverters, to sustain the initiative.
Stakeholders agreed that while challenges remain, digitalization is inevitable and essential to modernising Nigeria’s education system.
