The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released a list of essential facilities that schools must have in place as the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) moves entirely to computer-based testing (CBT) by 2026.
WAEC’s Head of Examinations, Mr. Lucky Njoagwuani, announced the requirements during a sensitisation event held in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
According to Njoagwuani, schools are expected to provide a minimum of 250 functional laptops with an additional 10 per cent as backup, a reliable computer server capable of supporting all systems at once, and a Local Area Network (LAN) setup.
Other compulsory infrastructure includes working air conditioners, proper lighting, an uninterrupted power supply, a standby generator with at least 40kVA capacity, CCTV surveillance, and a holding or reception area for candidates.
He explained that the transition to CBT would reduce logistical challenges, enhance the security of examinations, and improve access.
“We began with the fourth series of the private candidate exam two years ago, and it went well. The second series this year is entirely computer-based, with no paper option. We expect next year’s school-based exam to follow suit,” Njoagwuani said.
Speaking at the same event, Mr. Adeniran-Amusan Akim, WAEC’s Zonal Coordinator for Port Harcourt, urged schools to begin upgrading their ICT facilities in compliance with WAEC standards, emphasizing that the CBT model is now permanent.
He warned that schools that fail to meet the requirements will have to send their students to designated exam centres.
“WAEC will not compromise on standards. Only schools that provide the required infrastructure will be allowed to host the exams on their premises,” Akim added.
Meanwhile, Mr. Sunday Jaja, Chairman of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) in Rivers State, encouraged school owners to explore financial support from the Bank of Industry and the Federal Government’s MSME intervention fund to support their upgrades.
“Technology is now central to education. Embracing this change will help schools remain relevant and equip students for the digital future,” he noted.
The event was jointly organised by Teadro Systems Ltd, NAPPS, and partners including the Bank of Industry, HP, Lenovo, and Canon. A raffle draw highlighted the programme, with donations of ICT equipment—such as computers, printers, and tablets—made to selected schools.
