FG Sets 2027 Deadline For Full Transition To Computer-Based Tests In All Nigerian Exams

This announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during the inauguration of the Committee on Improvement of Quality Examinations in Nigeria, held in Abuja on Thursday, January 23.

Dr. Alausa emphasized that the committee’s primary mandate is to address critical challenges in the education sector, including standardizing examination practices, eradicating malpractices, and ensuring fairness in assessments.

He stated that tackling examination leakages and malpractices requires a multi-faceted approach, noting that students are not the sole perpetrators. According to the minister, parents, teachers, school principals, and exam supervisors also contribute to the problem by encouraging or facilitating these unethical practices.

“We’re planning that by 2027, all exams in Nigeria will be computer-based. Technology will be a critical tool in achieving this goal,” Alausa said. “The committee will also work on eliminating local candidate swapping and other forms of compromises that undermine examination credibility.”

He further outlined the government’s commitment to introducing three key identifiers on examination certificates issued by bodies such as WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB. These will include candidates’ national identification numbers, their photographs, and their birthdates to ensure the authenticity of results.

The minister noted that these changes are part of the government’s broader investment in education under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, with a focus on human capital development.

In his response, the Chairman of the committee, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, who is also the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for the opportunity to serve. He pledged to execute the assignment diligently and within the stipulated timeframe.

Dr. Alausa concluded by warning that continued malpractice would jeopardize the efforts of hardworking students and reaffirmed the government’s resolve to implement lasting solutions to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s education system.