ERC, WAEC Engages Principals, Exam Officers, Sensitize them on Transition to Computer-Based Testing.
By Raymond Enoch
In a major step towards digitizing Nigeria’s education assessment system, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Education Resource Centre (ERC), in partnership with the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), FCT Zonal Office, has launched a sensitization campaign to prepare principals and examination officers for the forthcoming migration from traditional paper-and-pencil testing to Computer-Based Testing (CBT).
The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s directive to modernize examination processes and strengthen transparency, credibility, and efficiency in the conduct of national assessments.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ briefing at Government Girls Secondary School, Dutse, the Director, Education Resource Centre, Dr. Neemat Daud Abdulrahim, reaffirmed the Centre’s readiness to implement government education policies, including the new national curriculum and digital testing framework.
Dr. Abdulrahim emphasized the need for collective understanding among school managers, principals, and examination officers as the education sector prepares for this paradigm shift. She urged stakeholders to actively participate in the sensitization and training programs being rolled out ahead of the CBT integration.
“The ERC is committed to ensuring that every policy and reform initiated by the Federal Government is fully implemented within the FCT. We will continue to build the capacity of our teachers to ensure effective classroom delivery and a smooth transition to computer-based examinations,” she stated.
The ERC Director commended WAEC for spearheading the awareness drive across all FCT zones, describing it as a proactive step to ensure no stakeholder is left behind. She underscored the importance of accurate candidate registration and prompt data uploads, calling for effective communication channels to eliminate bottlenecks during the implementation phase.
Dr. Abdulrahim also reiterated the FCT Education Secretariat’s zero-tolerance stance on examination malpractice, urging schools—particularly private institutions—to cooperate fully with the ERC’s external examination monitoring teams.
In his address, the Senior Deputy Registrar and Zonal Coordinator of WAEC, FCT, Mr. Kelezo Ambrose, disclosed that the sensitization exercise was designed to bring together principals and examination officers ahead of the 2026 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), which will mark the Council’s transition to the CBT system.
According to him, the session aims to familiarize participants with the technical requirements of the new testing process and address possible implementation challenges early.
“WAEC has established a feedback mechanism to promptly address any issues that may arise during the transition,” Ambrose explained. “Existing CBT centres—both school-based and commercial—will be leveraged to ensure a smooth and inclusive rollout. No school or student will be left behind.”
Participants at the briefing expressed enthusiasm about the planned digital transition, emphasizing the need for continuous teacher training and capacity building to ensure successful implementation
