Oyo to Procure 60,000 Laptops as WAEC Shifts to CBT

​In a bold move to digitize education, the Oyo State Government has announced plans to procure over 60,000 laptops for public senior secondary schools. This initiative marks the state’s official preparation for the West African Examinations Council’s (WAEC) transition to Computer-Based Testing (CBT).

​The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola, revealed this development on Wednesday during a visit from the WAEC Zonal Coordinator, Mr. Waheed Amode. Following a directive from Governor Seyi Makinde, the Ministry is currently finalizing the cost implications to ensure Oyo remains a frontrunner in the Federal Government’s digital testing roadmap.

​Hybrid Transition for 2026

​While the future is digital, the 2026 May/June WAEC diet—which saw registration close on February 2nd—will operate on a hybrid model. Schools will have the option to choose between CBT and the traditional pen-and-paper format based on their infrastructure readiness.

​”Schools interested in full CBT participation are expected to formally indicate their interest through official correspondence,” Mr. Amode stated. He also issued a stern warning against examination malpractice, noting that the presence of mobile phones in halls could lead to the cancellation of entire school results.

ADVERTISEMENT

​A Call for Moral Infrastructure

​Beyond hardware, the state is also focusing on “moral infrastructure.” During a separate meeting with the National Education Reform Movement (NERM), Commissioner Olayiwola emphasized that technology alone cannot save the sector. He called for a stronger synergy between parents and teachers to combat declining discipline and the “miracle center” syndrome.

​NERM leader, Mr. Adewumi Abass, echoed these sentiments, recommending standardized resources like “Parenting for Excellence” to help rebuild the value system within the Nigerian school circuit.