Just In: WAEC Releases Important Requirements for All Schools Ahead of 2026 Exams

• WAEC has mandated schools to provide ICT facilities, including 250 laptops, servers, power backup, CCTV, and air-conditioned exam halls by 2026
• Officials urged schools to upgrade centres, warning that those unable to meet requirements will be assigned to designated CBT centres
• NAPPS encouraged proprietors to seek funding support, as ICT partners donated gadgets to schools during the sensitisation programme in Port Harcourt

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced essential facilities that schools must provide ahead of the full migration of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) to computer-based testing (CBT) by 2026.

WAEC outlines mandatory facilities

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

According to him, each school is expected to provide at least 250 functional laptops with 10 per cent backups, a robust computer server capable of supporting 250 systems simultaneously, and a Local Area Network setup.

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Other mandatory facilities include functional air conditioners and lighting, uninterrupted electricity supply, a backup generator of no less than 40kVA capacity, CCTV cameras, and a holding room or reception facility for candidates.

Njoagwuani explained that the transition to CBT would reduce logistics costs, enhance exam security, and expand accessibility, Vanguard reported.

“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.

Schools urged to upgrade ICT centres

The Port Harcourt Zonal Coordinator of WAEC, Mr Adeniran-Amusan Akim, advised schools to begin upgrading their ICT centres in line with WAEC standards.

“The CBT system 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 emphasised.

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He added that schools unable to meet the requirements would be assigned to designated centres.

School proprietors encouraged to seek funding support

Also speaking, the Rivers state Chairman of the National

Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Mr Sunday Jaja, urged school owners to take advantage of available funding schemes, Punch reported.

“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, recommending that proprietors explore financing options through the Bank of Industry and the Federal Government’s MSME intervention fund.

The sensitisation programme was jointly organised by Teadro Systems Ltd, NAPPS, and partners including the Bank of Industry, HP, Lenovo, and Canon.

The highlight of the event was the donation of ICT gadgets such as computers, printers, and tablets to schools through a raffle draw.

Source: Legit.ng