WAEC’s Tech Overhaul: Schools Gotta Gear Up with 250 Computers and CCTV by 2026

By: Abudu Olalekan

Imagine walking into a school hall in Port Harcourt, the air buzzing with chatter from principals and teachers. It’s Thursday, and everyone’s gathered for this big sensitisation program. That’s where Mr. Lucky Njoagwuani, the Head of Examinations at WAEC, drops the news. Yeah, the West African Examinations Council is going all-in on computer-based testing for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination. Full migration by 2026. No more pencils scratching on paper for everyone. It’s a game-changer, folks.

Njoagwuani lays it out plain and simple. Schools wanting to host these exams? They need to step up their game. Minimum of 250 functional laptops. And don’t forget the backups – at least 10 percent extra, just in case. A robust server that can handle all 250 systems at once without crashing. Local Area Network setup to keep everything connected smoothly. Oh, and air conditioners? Gotta have ’em working, because no one wants sweaty candidates fumbling with keyboards. Lighting has to be spot on, electricity uninterrupted – backup generator with at least 40kVA capacity is a must. CCTV cameras everywhere for security. And a holding room or reception for the kids waiting their turn. It’s a lot. But hey, it’s the future.

He explains why this shift matters. Cuts down on logistics costs big time – no more trucking piles of exam papers across West Africa. Improves security, too; harder for leaks or cheating when everything’s digital. And accessibility? Widens it for more students, especially in remote areas. “We started with the fourth series of our private candidate exam about two years ago, and it was successful,” Njoagwuani says, leaning into the mic. “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.” Boom. It’s happening.

Let me paint a picture here. Think about a typical school in Rivers State, maybe one that’s been around for decades with dusty old classrooms and flickering lights. Now, they’re told to transform into tech hubs. The Port Harcourt Zonal Coordinator, Mr. Adeniran-Amusan Akim, jumps in during the event. He’s urging schools to upgrade their ICT centers right away, aligning with WAEC standards. “The CBT system is here to stay,” he declares, no nonsense in his voice. Schools that can’t meet the bar? They’ll get assigned to designated centers. No lowering standards, he stresses. “WAEC will not lower the standards. Any school that wants to host the exams within its premises must provide the required equipment and infrastructure.” Firm words. Makes you wonder how many schools will scramble to comply.

It’s not all doom and gloom though. There’s encouragement from the Rivers State Chairman of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, Mr. Sunday Jaja. He’s all about seeing the bright side. “Technology is playing a vital role in modern education,” he tells the crowd. “This initiative will enable schools to stay abreast of current trends and prepare students for the digital age.” And he’s got practical advice: tap into funding from the Bank of Industry or the Federal Government’s MSME intervention fund. Leverage those opportunities to finance the transition. Smart move. I mean, not every school has cash lying around for 250 laptops and a monster generator.

The event itself? Organized by Teadro Systems Ltd, NAPPS, and a bunch of partners like the Bank of Industry, HP, Lenovo, and Canon. It’s collaborative, you know? A real team effort to get everyone on board. The highlight? A raffle draw where they donated ICT gadgets – computers, printers, tablets – to lucky schools. You could feel the excitement in the room. One principal wins a batch of laptops, grins from ear to ear. Another scores a printer, already thinking about how it’ll jazz up their admin office. It’s like Christmas for educators, but with a tech twist.

Now, let’s zoom out a bit. This isn’t just about WAEC throwing down rules. It’s a story of evolution in education. Remember the days when exams meant endless stacks of papers, markers grading till their eyes blurred? CBT flips that script. Started small with private candidates a couple years back, and it worked. No major hiccups. This year, it’s mandatory for the second series – no paper option. Next year, school candidates join the party. By 2026, it’s full steam ahead for everyone. Exciting, right? But challenging too.

Picture a student in a rural school, used to writing essays by hand. Now, they’re typing away on a laptop, maybe even in an air-conditioned room with CCTV watching over. It levels the playing field, makes exams more efficient. Security-wise, it’s a win – less chance of papers getting lost or tampered with. Costs drop because logistics simplify. No more printing millions of sheets, shipping them out. And accessibility? Huge. Kids with disabilities might find it easier; digital formats can adapt.

Of course, not everyone’s ready. Some schools might drag their feet. What if they can’t afford it? That’s where Jaja’s funding tips come in. Bank of Industry loans, MSME funds – these are lifelines. Schools could partner up, share resources. Or maybe governments step in with subsidies. It’s a collective push. And events like this sensitisation program? They’re crucial. Getting the word out, building excitement, handing out gadgets – it motivates.

I recall hearing stories from teachers at the event. One lady from a private school in Port Harcourt shares how her center barely has 50 computers now. “We’re excited but worried,” she admits casually over coffee. “250? That’s a stretch. But we’ll make it happen.” Another guy, a principal from a public school, nods. “Generator alone costs a fortune. But for the kids’ future, it’s worth it.” Real talk. Mixes that formal urgency with everyday worries.

Wrapping this up, the message from Port Harcourt is loud and clear. WAEC’s mandating the tech – 250 computers, CCTV, the works. Schools, get upgrading. Use those funds, collaborate, make it happen. The CBT era is dawning, and it’s gonna be awesome. Or at least, that’s the hope. Fingers crossed.