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NUT Criticizes WAEC & NECO’s Move to CBT—Says It Won’t Stop Exam Malpractice

The federal government’s order requiring a complete switch to computer-based testing (CBT) for WAEC and NECO exams by 2026 has drawn criticism from the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), which cautions that this will not put an end to exam misconduct in the nation.

In an interview in Abuja, Comrade Audu Amba, the National President of NUT, said that the overemphasis on paper qualifications is the true problem that fuels dishonesty.

According to Amba, certifications and grades are given too much weight in Nigerian society, regardless of a student’s true aptitude or ability.

According to him, this fixation drives students—and occasionally their parents—to take drastic measures in order to achieve outcomes they are unable to justify.

“Certificates are now given more weight. What grade do you have? What are your scores? disregarding that student’s intellectual prowess.

He declared, “The students will make every effort to ensure that they receive the grades necessary to receive the certificate.”

Digital literacy gaps

Amba also voiced concerns about how prepared schools are to use CBT-based tests, particularly in rural places.

In several regions of the nation, he questioned the availability of skilled workers, internet connections, and power.

We’re discussing CBT tests. Where are the network, manpower, and light? We still have a long way to go, you see.

How many of the educators in our communities are even proficient with computers? We do not convene in the city and issue directives that are unworkable.

For example, the network stops at my village. In many of our settlements, it is not available until you reach a specific location.

Additionally, he stated that some of our students had never seen or used a computer before.

In Nigeria, teaching is the most devalued occupation.

Comrade Audu Amba criticized the ongoing disregard for educators, particularly in elementary schools. Despite their fundamental role in nation-building, he pointed out that teachers continue to be the most underappreciated professionals in the nation.

In Nigeria, teachers are the group most marginalized. The government provides the required attention to all professionals, but not to teachers, particularly those in primary schools, according to Amba.

He cited the Federal Capital Territory’s (FCT) primary school teachers’ protracted protest as proof of the government’s disregard for the well-being of educators.

As of this moment, elementary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been on strike for several months. Since the minimum pay of N70,000 has been applied to almost all civil servants in the FCT, I believe this should be the fourth time they have gone on strike,” he continued.

According to Amba, it is ironic that people in leadership roles, many of whom received their education from these same educators, are now the ones threatening the teaching profession.

The president of NUT emphasized that educators should be treated equally and face the same economic realities as everyone else.

“Like any other Nigerian, we go to the same market, are part of the same community, pay the same rent for our homes, and visit the same hospital,” he stated.

He described basic education as the cornerstone of the entire educational system and urged the government to give it immediate priority when allocating funds.

Things you should be aware of

Earlier this year, the federal government said that beginning with the May/June 2026 cycle, WAEC and NECO will completely switch to computer-based testing (CBT) for all exams.

As early as November 2025, both test bodies will start using CBT to deliver their objective questions, according to Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa.

With the intention of eradicating exam malpractice, Alausa stated that the whole implementation, encompassing both multiple-choice and essay examinations, will begin in May or June 2026. Additionally, a committee has been formed to examine examination standards nationwide, and suggestions are anticipated shortly.