WAEC has been an important part of secondary education in Nigeria and other West African countries for many years. As we move into 2026, the exam system is changing in many ways to make it more modern, more secure, and better suited for today’s digital world. T
These changes are led by Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Education and WAEC. Their aim is to solve long-standing problems like examination malpractice and poor facilities.
One of the main changes is the introduction of the Examination Learners’ Identification Number (ELIN). This is a special number given to each student to track them throughout their education. Along with this, there will be more use of computer-based tests (CBT), new subject combinations, and stricter rules to prevent cheating. These changes mark a new phase for WASSCE candidates.
I will explain these things clearly. We will look at what they mean and give helpful advice for students, parents, teachers, and others involved. Whether you plan to take the exam or just want to stay informed, it is important to understand these changes to succeed in the 2026 WASSCE.
I’m writing this post based on official information I got from WAEC and recent government announcement.
WASSCE 2026 Reforms
The need to change Nigeria’s examination system comes from the goal of rebuilding public trust in school exams. In recent years, exam cheating has affected both WAEC and the National Examinations Council (NECO). There have been cases of leaked question papers, impersonation, and special “miracle centers” where students cheat. These problems have reduced the value and trust in exam results. For example, in 2025, many results were withheld because of exam irregularities, which led to urgent action.
In response, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Education, announced several new measures in early January 2026 to solve these problems, starting with the 2026 exams. The changes are driven by new technology, global education standards, and the need for honesty and openness. The ministers, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa and Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmed, said the reforms will improve credibility, transparency, and public trust in Nigeria’s exam system.
The reforms focus on four main areas:
- Using more technology, including some computer-based tests (CBT).
- Introducing ELIN to identify and track students.
- Updating the curriculum, subject rules, and continuous assessment methods.
- Strengthening anti-cheating measures, such as randomizing questions and banning certain transfers.
These changes are not small adjustments. They are major reforms that could change how millions of students prepare for and take their final secondary school exams. Since registration for the 2026 WASSCE started on September 16, 2025, students need to adjust quickly.
Computer-Based Testing (CBT)
One of the biggest and most discussed changes is the move to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for WASSCE. The Federal Government first planned for all exams to be fully computer-based by 2026. The goal is to make exams faster, safer, and easier to manage, and to release results more quickly. However, there are concerns about problems such as poor electricity supply, not enough computers in rural areas, and teachers not being fully prepared.
In November 2025, the House of Representatives asked that full CBT be delayed until 2030 because of these challenges. Even so, WAEC has said the plan will still continue, but slowly. For 2026, CBT will be tested in phases. It will not be compulsory, and students can still choose the normal paper-and-pen exams if they prefer.
Key features of the 2026 CBT pilot include:
- A hybrid model: multiple-choice questions will be done on computers, while essay, theory, and practical exams may still be on paper or shown in exam halls.
- Exams will take place at special centers with computers and proper technology, not only in schools.
- Students may take up to three papers in one day, which can shorten the exam period.
- WAEC is organizing training, workshops, and practice tests to help students learn how to use computers. The Head of the Nigeria Office, Dr. Amos Dangut, said all registered students will have access, even those outside Nigeria.
There are also some concerns and criticisms. Some people believe CBT could disadvantage poor or rural students who do not have regular access to computers. Power failures are also a problem. WAEC says that since CBT is optional for now and improvements are being made, students will still have fair choices. The hybrid system allows a slow and careful transition.
Students preparing for the 2026 exam should practice using computers and try mock exams on WAEC’s website. Schools should also include computer training in their lessons.
Introduction of the Examination Learners’ Identification Number (ELIN)
One of the most important new changes is the Examination Learners’ Identification Number (ELIN). This system was introduced by the Federal Ministry of Education for all WAEC and NECO candidates starting in 2026. ELIN is a special digital number given to each student, similar to the National Identification Number (NIN). It is now required for exam registration.
Purpose and benefits of ELIN:
- It helps track students throughout their education, from registration to getting their certificates. This reduces impersonation and fraud.
- It improves record keeping and data management, making it easier to study student performance over time.
- It helps prevent cheating because each number is linked to a student’s personal details, making it harder for others to cheat or collaborate dishonestly.
How to get ELIN:
- Students will receive ELIN during WASSCE registration through their schools or the WAEC portal. It connects with systems like NIN. Without ELIN, students cannot take the exam.
- The system starts immediately for the 2026 exams, and schools are being trained on how to issue it.
ELIN may also be used for other education records in the future. Although there are some concerns about privacy, the government says the system uses strong security measures to protect data. Still, stakeholders are encouraged to stay alert.
Strong measures to stop exam cheating:
Exam malpractice has been a serious problem in Nigeria’s education system, with many results canceled in past years. The 2026 reforms include tougher rules to reduce cheating:
- Questions will be arranged differently for each student to make copying harder.
- Students will not be allowed to transfer schools during SS3 to prevent moving to “miracle centers.”
- Results will be compared with performance from the past five years to detect suspicious patterns.
- Teachers supervising practical exams must have IT knowledge and special training.
Together with ELIN, these steps aim to create a zero-tolerance approach to cheating. WAEC reports show that similar measures have already helped reduce malpractice.
The 2026 WASSCE reforms, especially the introduction of ELIN and the trial use of computer-based tests (CBT), represent an important step toward a more honest and modern exam system. Although some challenges still exist, preparing early and staying informed will help students succeed. Follow official updates and be ready to adapt to these changes for a better and stronger education system.
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