The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has postponed the start of its Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE), which will now b...
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has postponed the start of its Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE), which will now be fully conducted via computer-based testing (CBT), to 2027, instead of 2026, as initially mandated by the Federal Government.
The 2026 May/June WASSCE will continue to serve as a trial for the complete computer-based testing system, allowing students to choose between taking their exams via computer or traditional paper-and-pencil methods.
The head of Nigeria's National Committee (NNC) for WAEC, appointed by the Federal Government, Hajia Binta Abdulkadir, mentioned this on Thursday during the opening session of this year's Annual Meeting of NNC (63rd edition) held in Umuahia, Abia State.
The NNC serves as the top decision-making body of WAEC in Nigeria, and the committee includes almost all key players in the education sector across the nation. The members gather once a year, rotating among the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Abdulkadir, who also serves as a Director of Basic Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, mentioned that NEC WAEC is informed about the worries expressed by stakeholders regarding the federal government's instructions for examination bodies to transition completely to computer-based testing by 2026.
"So, I want to ensure that no candidate taking the 2026 WASSCE will be deprived of their rights in any way," she emphasized.
Hajia Abdukadir outlined several recent initiatives by WAEC aimed at facilitating a seamless transition to full computer-based testing, such as training high school students on the pilot test involving tablet usage and digital methods for answering essay questions on a computer, among other activities.
In reference to the latest assessment of the Basic and Secondary School Curricula, she stated that no applicant would be prevented from enrolling in courses from different subject areas or various elective disciplines.
She specifically stated, "Science students are not prohibited from enrolling in Economics as an elective to finish their subject choices, even though the deadline for uploading Continuous Assessment Scores (CASS) has been extended to ensure accurate recording of CASS for candidates who need to take new subjects according to the Federal Government's approved list for the WASSCE for School Candidates, 2026."
Meanwhile, WAEC recognized the top three candidates in its 2024 school-based May/June examination, as well as the two highest-performing special students, who are visually impaired, along with other category winners, during the ceremony.
Master Ajisafe Qoreebullah Olamilekan, a learner from Eemaan Foundation College in Osogbo, Osun State, emerged as the top performer across the country in the examination and was recognized with the WAEC National Distinction Award.
Ajisafe, the eldest child of his parents, achieved a total score of 580.8535 in the examination, securing A1 grades in eight subjects, such as General Mathematics and English Language.
He is currently pursuing a degree in Medicine and Surgery at the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila Orangun, Osun State.
He was joined at the ceremony by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ajisafe.
The second and third top students in the exam, 18-year-old Onovo Joan Eberechukwu and Master Mbah Chibukem Mac-Donald, were also recognized with the merit award at the event for their outstanding achievements.
Notably, the top three individuals all attended private institutions.
Additionally, Joan and Chibukem, similar to Qoreebullah, who was the top performer, are pursuing Medicine and Surgery at their respective universities. Joan is enrolled at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) in Akoka, whereas Chibukem attends Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUA).
In the same way, WAEC recognized and rewarded the top male and female candidates, who are exceptional students in the examination. They are Master 23-year-old Ugwu Christian Chiemerie and Miss Abiodun Taye Olubunmi.
Christian, who graduated from the College of Immaculate Conception in Uwani, Enugu State, achieved a total score of 413.5326 in the exam, whereas Taye, a student at Queen’s College in Lagos, obtained a total score of 429.1543. Additionally, Christian is currently pursuing Law at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, while Taye is studying Guidance and Counselling at the University of Ilorin.
At the gathering, Abia State Governor Alex Otti praised WAEC for its significant role in advancing education within the nation and for organizing reliable assessments.
Otti, represented by the state's Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Chinedu Ubochi, stated that Abia State will keep providing support to the examination body in any feasible manner.
He specifically commended WAEC for its forward-thinking measures in enhancing the reliability of the examination, particularly through the implementation of policies aimed at preventing misconduct and safeguarding the integrity of evaluation procedures throughout the nation.
He stated that the actions are "prompt, bold, and necessary to protect the future of our children."
Previously, in his speech, Dr Amos Dangut, the Head of the National Office of WAEC Nigeria, mentioned that the organization introduced different award categories to promote outstanding performance and fair competition among students and schools throughout the nation.
He observed that the program had produced remarkable outcomes while he praised all the award recipients, their schools, and their parents.
He encouraged them not to become complacent but to strive even harder as they progress in their studies.
Hajia Abdulkadir praised all the recipients, encouraging them to continue working hard in their academic pursuits and other activities.
She mentioned that the Federal Government would keep supporting WAEC in its responsibilities and also make sure Nigerian students are competitive on a global scale.
READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
- Return to School, Return to Work A New Beginning
- Love Connection: Public vs Private Proposals – Which is More Effective?
- "No" Is a Full Sentence: Why You Should Stop Feeling Ashamed
- Social Gathering: Friendship Discussion 2025 – Tips for Being a Great Friend and Important Issues About Friendship
- Officers Subdue Armed Thieves in Ibadan Following Intense Conflict
COMMENTS