The Federal Government has announced plans to transition all examinations in Nigeria to a 100% computer-based testing (CBT) system by 2027. This was disclosed by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, during the inauguration of the Committee on Improvement of Quality Examinations in Abuja on Thursday.

According to the minister, the newly inaugurated committee is tasked with addressing challenges in the education sector, standardizing examination practices, and ensuring fairness and quality. He highlighted the government’s commitment to combating widespread examination malpractices and improving the overall integrity of educational assessments.

Alausa emphasized that tackling examination malpractices requires a comprehensive approach, noting that students are not the only offenders. He pointed out that parents, teachers, school principals, and even exam supervisors often play a role in the misconduct.

“To address these challenges, we aim to ensure that by 2027, all exams will be computer-based. This will require significant effort and the use of technology to achieve our goals,” Alausa said.

He also revealed that the committee would work to eliminate examination leakages, address identity theft during exams, and improve supervision standards. Additionally, measures would be implemented to curb practices such as the swapping of candidates during exams.

To enhance the authenticity of examination results, the minister announced that certificates issued by national examination bodies would now include three key identifiers: the candidates’ national identification numbers, photographs, and dates of birth.

“I have directed all examination bodies, including WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB, to ensure these identifiers are included in the certificates for the upcoming May, June, and July exams. This will help us achieve near-perfect accuracy in identifying candidates,” he explained.

Alausa described examination malpractice as a growing threat, warning that it undermines the efforts of diligent students and the credibility of the education system.

The chairman of the newly formed committee, Is-haq Oloyede, who is also the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), expressed gratitude for the government’s trust. He pledged to carry out the committee’s mandate with diligence and efficiency.

The minister concluded by stressing that the transition to computer-based examinations would be supported by substantial government funding for education, ensuring the success of this ambitious reform.