NECO CBT 2026: Everything you need to know about Nigeria’s shift to digital exams

NECO to Introduce Computer-Based Testing for SSCE Starting 2026

National Examinations Council (NECO) has announced a major shift in Nigeria’s education system as it prepares to phase out the traditional paper-and-pencil examination format in favour of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) beginning in 2026.

The transition will officially commence with the May/June 2026 Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE), marking a significant step toward digitising the country’s examination process.

The move follows a directive from Tunji Alausa, who aims to align NECO and West African Examinations Council (WAEC) with the digital examination standards already adopted by Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

Hybrid CBT Model to Ease Transition

To ensure a smoother transition for students and schools, NECO will initially adopt a hybrid examination model. Under this approach, objective questions will be answered digitally on computer systems, while some theory and essay sections may still be completed using traditional answer booklets during the early phase of implementation.

According to the council, the phased rollout is designed to reduce system pressure and help candidates gradually adapt to computer-based assessments.

Rollout Timeline for 2026

The first major CBT examination under the new system will be the May/June 2026 SSCE Internal Examination for secondary school candidates.

Before the nationwide rollout, NECO will conduct trial runs using other examinations to test the stability of its systems and infrastructure. These include:

• The National Gifted Examination scheduled for May 23, 2026

• The National Common Entrance Examination scheduled for June 6, 2026

These pilot tests are expected to help the council evaluate server performance, technical readiness, and candidate adaptation before full-scale deployment.

Accredited CBT Centres to Host Exams

NECO also confirmed that examinations may no longer be conducted strictly within school premises. Instead, candidates are expected to sit for exams at accredited CBT centres approved by the council.

This mirrors the structure currently used by JAMB and is expected to improve examination monitoring, reduce malpractice, and speed up result processing.

Addressing Challenges in Rural Areas

To tackle concerns about digital access in rural communities, NECO revealed plans to deploy offline-capable testing software in areas with unstable internet connectivity.

The council is also mapping underserved schools to centralised examination hubs equipped with mandatory solar power systems or generator backups to minimise disruptions during examinations.

The introduction of CBT represents one of the most significant reforms in NECO’s history and signals Nigeria’s continued push toward a fully digitised education and examination system.