What School Leaders Should Be Asking?
Every year, millions of Nigerian students sit for UTME on a computer, many for the first time in their academic lives. For most, it won't be their last encounter with computer-based assessment. WAEC's own examinations are steadily following the same path, and the pressure of that transition is landing squarely on students and schools that haven't had the chance to prepare.
But the examination experience is changing.
As technology becomes increasingly integrated into education and assessment, computer-based examinations are becoming a more important part of Nigeria's academic landscape. This shift promises greater efficiency, faster processing, improved record management, and better examination administration. However, it also raises an important question: are Nigerian schools and students truly prepared?
This shift is already well underway. JAMB registered 2,243,816 candidates for the 2026 UTME, a 10.5% increase over 2025, with the exam administered entirely via Computer-Based Testing at nearly 1,000 accredited centers nationwide. As CBT scales further, WAEC's own examinations are expected to follow the same trajectory, meaning today's students will encounter far more digital assessment, not less. Source: JAMB, via Channels TV, 2026 UTME registration figures.
Digital readiness is about more than having computers in a laboratory.
Students need regular exposure to technology before they encounter it in a high-pressure examination environment. They need to know how to navigate digital platforms, manage their time on a screen, respond to different question formats, and remain confident when unexpected technical challenges occur.
A student may understand a subject perfectly but still struggle during a computer-based examination because they are unfamiliar with the environment. This is why digital confidence is becoming just as important as academic preparation.
Schools cannot afford to wait until examination day to introduce students to technology; digital tools need to become part of everyday learning.
When students regularly complete assessments online, access learning resources digitally, and interact with technology throughout their academic journey, they are better prepared for the changing nature of assessment.
This is where Edves CBT becomes an important partner for forward-thinking Nigerian schools.
Edves CBT gives schools the tools to deliver computer-based assessments that mirror the format students will meet in national examinations, helping them build familiarity long before exam day. Alongside this, Edves supports everyday academic management, lesson planning, curriculum tracking, and student progress monitoring, all in one connected system. Instead of digital exposure being a last-minute drill, it becomes part of how students learn, are assessed, and are tracked throughout the school year.
Schools already using Edves CBT describe a noticeable shift in how students approach assessments, less hesitation navigating the screen, faster adjustment to digital question formats, and a calmer, more focused testing experience overall.
For many, the biggest change isn't in what students know, but in how confidently they're able to show it.
Instead of waiting until students are preparing for a major computer-based examination, schools can begin integrating technology into their everyday operations and academic activities. Students become more familiar with digital learning environments, while teachers and school administrators benefit from more organized and connected systems.
For school leaders, this is an opportunity to think beyond simply purchasing devices.
True digital transformation requires the right systems and technology partners. Schools need solutions that can support their growth, simplify academic and administrative processes, and help them prepare learners for a future where technology will continue to influence education and work.
With Edves, schools can take meaningful steps towards that future.
However, technology must also be introduced with fairness in mind. Reliable electricity, internet access, infrastructure, technical support, and digital literacy remain important considerations. Technology should not create new barriers for students. Instead, it should help schools create more inclusive and effective learning experiences.
As Nigeria continues to embrace technology in education, school leaders must begin asking important questions. Are students comfortable using digital tools? Are teachers prepared to support technology-enabled learning? Does the school have systems that can support a growing digital environment?
The answers to these questions will shape how successfully schools prepare students for the future.
The future of high-stakes examinations in Nigeria is no longer only about what students know. It is increasingly about how confidently they can demonstrate that knowledge in a changing environment.
With the right preparation and the right technology, Nigerian schools can help students move into that future with confidence. Edves is helping schools make that transition easier by providing the digital foundation they need to manage, teach, assess, and grow more effectively.
Technology is already transforming education. The question is: Is your school ready for what comes next?
Give your students the practice they need to walk into exam day with confidence.
Book a free demo of Edves CBT today and see how your school can start delivering seamless, technology-enabled assessments.