The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced an extension of the registration deadline for the 2026 Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CB-WASSCE) for school candidates.

WAEC made the announcement on Friday in a short post it shared on its official X account, saying the extension is by only one day.

“Here is to announce that the registration for the CB-WASSCE for school candidates, 2026 has been extended to Friday, March 13, 2026,” the post read.

The latest extension appears to have been as a result of technical glitches and high demand initially reported in official updates since January.

WAEC had earlier given firm assurance that the forthcoming CB-WASSCE will be accessible to students in every part of Nigeria, regardless of location.

The examination body emphasised that when the new model is fully implemented in 2026, no candidate will be left out or disenfranchised due to inadequate access to technology or infrastructure.

It maintains that deliberate measures are being put in place to ensure inclusivity, so that candidates from rural and underserved communities will have the same opportunities as those in urban centres.

Head of the WAEC National Office, Dr. Amos Dangut, gave the assurance in Abuja during a sensitisation session organised for members of the National Assembly Committees on Education. The engagement aimed to inform lawmakers about the modalities of the CB-WASSCE and to seek their support in tackling potential challenges from its implementation.

According to Dr. Dangut, WAEC has already commenced the gradual introduction of computer-based testing, initially with certain subjects, starting with objective questions, before expanding the scope to include both theory and practical components.

He explained that this phased approach would allow schools, teachers, and students to adjust to the new system while also giving WAEC the opportunity to identify and resolve any technical or infrastructural bottlenecks.

Dangut further revealed that extensive consultations are ongoing with state governments, school proprietors, and education stakeholders to ensure that adequate CBT centres are established across the country.

WAEC, he said, is also working closely with the Ministry of Education and relevant agencies to ensure a stable electricity supply, provision of internet facilities, and training of personnel who will manage the centres during examinations.

Dr. Dangut reassured lawmakers that the Council is committed to equity and fairness, stressing that candidates in rural areas would not be left behind. He noted that WAEC is mapping out centres in each local government area to minimise the distance students will have to travel, thereby reducing cost burdens on parents and guardians.

He added that the transition to CB-WASSCE is not only in line with global examination practices but also necessary to strengthen the credibility, transparency, and security of the assessment process. He said that with the use of technology, issues such as examination malpractice, logistical delays, and result processing challenges would be significantly minimised.

The WAEC boss urged lawmakers to lend their full support to the initiative by ensuring that budgetary provisions and oversight mechanisms are in place to fast-track the infrastructural development required for smooth implementation. (Guardian)

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