The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released the list of facilities schools must provide as part of preparations for the full transition of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) to computer-based testing (CBT) by 2026.

Head of Examinations, WAEC, Mr. Lucky Njoagwuani, disclosed this on Thursday during a sensitisation programme in Port Harcourt.

According to him, schools are required to provide a minimum of 250 functional laptops with 10 per cent backups, a robust server capable of supporting 250 systems simultaneously, and a Local Area Network (LAN) setup.

Other mandatory requirements include functional air conditioners and lighting, uninterrupted power supply, a backup generator of at least 40kVA, CCTV cameras, and a holding room or reception facility for candidates.

Njoagwuani explained that the migration to CBT would reduce logistics costs, enhance exam security, and widen accessibility.

“We started with the fourth series of our private candidate exam about two years ago, and it was successful. This year’s private candidate exam, second series, is fully computer-based with no option for pen and paper. Invariably, next year’s school candidate exam will be fully computer-based as well,” he said.

The Port Harcourt Zonal Coordinator of WAEC, Mr. Adeniran-Amusan Akim, urged schools to upgrade their ICT centres in line with WAEC’s standards, stressing that the CBT model “is here to stay.”

“WAEC will not lower the standards. Any school that wants to host the exams within its premises must provide the required equipment and infrastructure,” Akim stated.

Also speaking, the Rivers State Chairman of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Mr. Sunday Jaja, advised school owners to explore funding opportunities from the Bank of Industry and the Federal Government’s MSME intervention fund to finance the transition.

“Technology is playing a vital role in modern education. This initiative will enable schools to stay abreast of current trends and prepare students for the digital age,” Jaja said.

The sensitisation programme was jointly organised by Teadro Systems Ltd, NAPPS, and partners including the Bank of Industry, HP, Lenovo, and Canon. The highlight was the donation of ICT gadgets such as computers, printers, and tablets to schools through a raffle draw.