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CBT For WASSCE 2026: What You Should Know

Ohiomoje Margaret
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18
CBT For WASSCE 2026: What You Should Know

Nigeria’s education sector is on the verge of a historic shift. The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced plans to fully transition the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) from paper-and-pencil testing to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) by 2026.

This reform, long anticipated in the sector, aims to modernize assessment methods, boost exam credibility, and align Nigeria’s educational system with international best practices.

The initiative builds on earlier milestones, most notably the successful trial of CBT for private candidates in 2024 and the hybrid deployment for school candidates in 2025. With the Federal Government backing the reform and WAEC intensifying sensitisation, the countdown has begun toward a future where millions of secondary school students will take their exit exams entirely on computer systems.

WAEC Outlines Preparations for a Smooth Transition

The Head of WAEC’s National Office, Dr. Amos Dangut, has assured Nigerians that the Council is fully prepared for the 2026 nationwide rollout of CBT for WASSCE. Speaking at a sensitisation session with the National Assembly Committee on Education, Dangut stressed that the decision was not only about adopting technology but also about safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s certificates and aligning with global standards.

According to him, WAEC has already conducted five CBT exams—four for private candidates and one for school candidates—without major hitches. To ease the transition, he revealed that mock exams and online practice platforms will be introduced to help students familiarise themselves with the system before their main tests.

Dangut also dismissed concerns about infrastructure and connectivity, noting that WAEC had successfully conducted CBT exams even in remote areas. He promised that all registered candidates, regardless of location, would sit their exams without disadvantage. On cyber security fears, he reassured stakeholders that all CBT sessions so far had been smooth, with evidence suggesting candidates performed even better than in the traditional paper-based format.

Minister of Education: “This Reform Will Reposition Nigerian Education”

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has thrown the Federal Government’s weight behind WAEC’s digital transition, describing it as a decisive step toward repositioning Nigeria’s education sector.

He highlighted that the CBT migration is consistent with broader government reforms, including restructuring the curriculum, upgrading school facilities, and equipping classrooms with modern learning tools. According to Alausa, moving public examinations to computer-based platforms will enhance credibility, reduce malpractice, and prepare Nigerian students to compete globally.

“For more than seven decades, WAEC has remained a dependable institution, serving the African child with distinction,” the minister said. “With this transition, we are confident that examinations will become more merit-driven, secure, and reflective of 21st-century standards.”

What to Expect Going Forward

With the National Assembly pledging budgetary support and WAEC already expanding sensitisation campaigns across Nigeria, the stage is set for one of the most ambitious reforms in the country’s education history. 

While challenges remain, such as ensuring equal access to digital infrastructure in all 774 local government areas, stakeholders are optimistic that the 2026 full-scale rollout will not only modernize assessments but also strengthen confidence in Nigerian education globally.

Ten Hag’s Shock Dismissal And The Growing Trend Of Short-Lived Coaching Stints

Ayomitunde Adeyemi
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50
Ten Hag’s Shock Dismissal And The Growing Trend Of Short-Lived Coaching Stints

Erik ten Hag’s time at Bayer Leverkusen has come to a dramatic and premature end. On September 1, 2025, the Dutch manager was shown the door after just two Bundesliga games in charge this season — a 3–0 defeat to Mainz and a 2–1 loss at home to promoted Karlsruhe. That decision, arriving barely a year after his appointment, now stands as the quickest sacking in Bundesliga history. Ten Hag himself admitted he was “completely surprised,” pointing to the summer exodus of players and lack of stability in the squad.

But Ten Hag is not the first to discover that patience in football management is wearing thinner by the season. When results fail to appear almost instantly, clubs increasingly act with ruthless speed. Here are four other coaches who suffered the same fate, losing their jobs almost as soon as they got them.

Les Reed – Just 41 Days at Charlton (2006)

Back in late 2006, Charlton Athletic turned to their academy director Les Reed after sacking Iain Dowie. But Reed’s promotion quickly became a nightmare. His side managed just one win in six weeks, and the lowest point came with a League Cup defeat to Wycombe Wanderers, a team three divisions below. By Christmas Eve, Reed had been dismissed after only 41 days, the press branding him “Les Misérables.” He is still remembered as one of the shortest and most ill-fated appointments in Premier League history.

Frank de Boer – 77 Days at Crystal Palace (2017)

When Frank de Boer was appointed at Crystal Palace in June 2017, the club promised a bold new identity built on possession football. Instead, it unravelled immediately. Palace lost their opening four league matches without scoring a single goal, and though De Boer did oversee one League Cup victory, the rot was too deep. Just 77 days into his reign, on September 11, 2017, he was dismissed, making his tenure the shortest in Premier League history at the time. The much-hyped “project” was abandoned before it had a chance to take shape.

Bob Bradley – 85 Days at Swansea City (2016)

Bob Bradley made history in October 2016 as the first American to manage in the Premier League. Hopes were high, but Swansea quickly found themselves sinking deeper into relegation trouble. Over 11 matches, Bradley’s team conceded an alarming 29 goals, picking up only two wins.

His reign lasted just 85 days, ending on December 27, 2016, with the Swans languishing near the bottom of the table. Bradley later reflected that the atmosphere at the club had been “toxic,” but the results gave Swansea little choice.

Quique Sánchez Flores – 85 Days Back at Watford (2019)

Watford’s revolving-door policy of managers is notorious, but even by their standards, Quique Sánchez Flores’ second spell was stunningly brief. Returning in September 2019 to replace Javi Gracia, Flores lasted less than three months. The Hornets won only one league match, endured an 8–0 demolition at Manchester City, and remained rooted to the bottom of the Premier League. On December 1, 2019, he was sacked after just 85 days, his return ending in disappointment and confirming Watford’s reputation for brutal impatience.

A Growing Pattern

Ten Hag’s exit from Leverkusen may have shocked fans, but football history is littered with similarly swift dismissals. From Les Reed’s ill-fated 41-day stint at Charlton to Quique Sánchez Flores’ second short-lived Watford tenure, these stories underline the shrinking margins of error modern coaches face. Clubs that once gave managers time to settle now act almost instantly, demanding results from the first whistle.

For Ten Hag, his dismissal will sting — but as history shows, he is far from alone in the club of managers who barely got started before being told to pack their bags.

SEC Cautions Nigerians Over Fraudulent Investment Platforms

Tosin Onisuuru
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8
SEC Cautions Nigerians Over Fraudulent Investment Platforms

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has urged Nigerians to be vigilant against online investment platforms that promise unrealistic financial returns.

Emomotimi Agama, Director General of the Commission, gave the warning on Tuesday during an interview on Channels Television’s Business Morning. He noted that genuine investment companies must be licensed by the SEC, not just registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission.

“If it looks too good to be true, then it is not true,” Agama said, stressing that Nigerians should always verify the legitimacy of investment schemes.

According to him, many fraudulent operators entice unsuspecting victims with promises of huge profits. He revealed that the Commission has already issued more than 85 advisories against illegal investment firms.

Agama also referred to Section 3(a) of the Investment and Securities Act 2025, which empowers the SEC to regulate activities within Nigeria’s capital market. He advised Nigerians to confirm the registration status of any investment firm through SEC offices in Abuja, Lagos, Kano, and Port Harcourt, or via the Commission’s soon-to-be-launched digital platforms.

“When people promise what is ordinarily impossible, that is fraud. Nigerians must ask questions and verify with us,” he added.

His caution comes months after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) released a list of 58 unregistered Ponzi scheme operators, including Wales Kingdom Capital, MBA Trading & Capital Investment Limited, Ovaioza Farm Produce Storage Limited, and Chinmark Homes. While some of these operators have been convicted or pleaded guilty, others are still standing trial.

MyFood Angels: Fresh from Farm to Doorstep

Mary Oluwabamise
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22
MyFood Angels: Fresh from Farm to Doorstep

In today’s fast-paced world, many Nigerians are searching for smarter ways to buy food, not just in terms of availability, but also hygiene, freshness, and convenience. The open market is no longer the only option, and for many, it’s not even the preferred one. Stepping into this gap is MyFood Angels, a tech-driven food delivery platform that connects consumers with clean, farm-fresh produce and freshly made meals—delivered right to their doorsteps.

Founded by Olapeju Umah and her partners Daniel and Femi, the idea for MyFood Angels was born from Olapeju’s own experiences living in Lekki, Lagos, where accessing fresh food without the chaos of markets was a daily struggle. Today, the company offers a full-service online food delivery system that serves individuals and businesses that either lack the time or the will to navigate traditional markets. From fruits and vegetables to juices and cooked meals, the platform handles it all.

But MyFood Angels is more than just a delivery app. It’s reshaping the entire food supply chain in Nigeria. The company works directly with smallholder farmers to source produce, which is then cleaned, processed, and packaged under hygienic conditions before being dispatched to customers. This model helps reduce the over 40% post-harvest losses Nigerian farmers face, while ensuring that consumers receive fresher and safer food.

With technology at its core, the platform streamlines food distribution, creating a more efficient, transparent, and sustainable process. For consumers, it means access to high-quality food with just a few taps on their phones. For farmers, it opens up new markets, better prices, and quicker sales cycles. This direct-to-consumer model cuts out unnecessary middlemen and reduces delays that typically spoil or devalue fresh produce.

The rise of services like MyFood Angels represents a larger shift in how food moves across cities and towns in Nigeria. In urban areas especially, digital platforms are replacing trips to the market with seamless online shopping experiences. As more people embrace this change, small farmers—who grow most of the country’s produce—are beginning to thrive in ways they never could before. The growth of this ecosystem also helps tackle food waste, boosts income for producers, and improves nutritional access in cities.

As the company continues to expand, its impact goes beyond logistics.
MyFood Angels is building a smarter, cleaner, and more accessible food economy—one that works for both consumers and producers. With a bold vision to become Africa’s number one food delivery and shop.

Governor Diri Appoints Sawyer to Lead Bayelsa Civil Service

Ohiomoje Margaret
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18
Governor Diri Appoints Sawyer to Lead Bayelsa Civil Service

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has approved the appointment of Dr. Wisdom Ebiye Sawyer as the new Head of the Civil Service.

The announcement was made in a statement on Tuesday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah. Sawyer’s appointment comes after the retirement of Barrister Biobelemoye Charles-Onyema on August 31, 2025.

Until his elevation, Sawyer was a Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health. He joined the state civil service on June 8, 1998, as a medical officer.

Born on May 14, 1970, in Odi, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, Sawyer had his early education at Town School, Okrika, Rivers State, and later attended Okrika Grammar School, where he completed his West African School Certificate examinations in 1986.

He studied medicine at the University of Port Harcourt, where he earned his MBBS in 1996. He went on to obtain a Master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Lagos in 2000, a Fellowship from the National Post-Graduate Medical College, Lagos in 2005, and a Part 2 Fellowship in Public Health in 2010.

Sawyer has also defended his PhD dissertation in Clinical Sciences and Public Health at the Niger Delta University and is a member of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).

Wike’s Camp Lists Conditions For PDP Convention

Tosin Onisuuru
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19
Wike’s Camp Lists Conditions For PDP Convention

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has demanded that the national chairmanship of the party remain in the north-central zone.

The group, known as the Eminent Leaders and Concerned Stakeholders, made its position known on Monday night in Abuja while setting conditions for the party’s upcoming national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The zoning of the PDP chairmanship has been a recurring issue since 2021, when the position was allocated to the north and further narrowed to the north-central. It was under this arrangement that Iyorchia Ayu from Benue was elected as chairman before his suspension by court order, which cleared the way for Umar Damagum, then deputy national chairman (north), to act in his place. Damagum, who hails from Yobe in the north-east, was confirmed as substantive chairman by the party’s national executive committee (NEC) on August 25, a development that Wike’s group has openly challenged.

The Wike bloc insists that a credible and acceptable convention cannot be achieved without addressing what it describes as unresolved congresses and disregard for court rulings. In its communiqué, the group called for fresh congresses in Ebonyi and Anambra states, recognition of the south-south congress held in Calabar, and a new south-east zonal congress. It also demanded that local government congresses in Ekiti be conducted immediately in line with subsisting judgments.

The group further rejected any attempt at micro-zoning within the north, stressing that the chairmanship must stay with the north-central for fairness and stability in the party. It warned that failing to implement these resolutions would undermine the legitimacy of the convention and disenfranchise valid members.

Those at the Abuja meeting included Wike, PDP national secretary Samuel Anyanwu, former governors Okezie Ikpeazu, Samuel Ortom, Ayo Fayose, and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, as well as Kingsley Chinda, minority leader of the House of Representatives, and Martins Amaewhule, suspended speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, among others.

Nigeria, Colombia Explore Direct Flight Agreement To Strengthen Ties

Ohiomoje Margaret
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8
Nigeria, Colombia Explore Direct Flight Agreement To Strengthen Ties

Colombia’s Vice-President, Francia Márquez, says discussions are underway with Nigerian aviation stakeholders on the possibility of starting direct flights between both countries as part of efforts to expand bilateral relations.

Márquez made this known on Monday during a visit to the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where she was received by President Bola Tinubu, according to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

The visit coincided with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on political consultations, formalised during the Nigeria–Colombia bilateral meeting and business forum in Abuja. The agreement was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and Colombia’s Deputy Minister for Multilateral Affairs, Mauricio Jaramillo Jassir.

Speaking at the forum, Márquez said aviation was one of several key areas identified for strengthening cooperation between the two nations, while noting that Nigeria and Colombia share significant cultural and historical similarities.

“We have had a meeting with the business leaders in aviation on the need to start direct flights to Colombia,” she said, adding that the partnership would also advance social justice, gender equality, and inclusivity in both countries.

President Tinubu, while addressing the Colombian delegation of senior officials and business leaders, pledged Nigeria’s commitment to deepening ties. He said agreements already reached with Brazil in aviation and consular matters could be replicated with Colombia to strengthen diplomatic and economic engagement.

“Our business opportunities with Colombia have already been enhanced. I support every aspect that you have agreed on,” Tinubu said. “Particularly for Colombia, the agreement we entered with Brazil can easily be replicated in aviation, and our diplomatic relations can be enhanced. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will accelerate that.”

Among Nigerian officials present at the meeting were Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President; Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment; and Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development.

Concrete Roads Emerging as Game Changer for Emergency Response and Security in Nigeria

Yemisi Lanre-Idowu
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0
Concrete Roads Emerging as Game Changer for Emergency Response and Security in Nigeria

As Nigeria continues to battle insecurity across various regions, particularly in rural and forested areas, poor infrastructure has remained a significant obstacle to timely and effective security responses. However, new federal road projects under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are being hailed as a transformative step toward strengthening national security and emergency response.

For years, ungoverned spaces, ranging from dense forests in the South to rugged terrains in the North, have provided safe havens for kidnappers, bandits, and terrorists. These criminals often exploit Nigeria’s inadequate road networks, making it difficult for security forces to reach affected communities or track down armed groups in remote locations.

Despite increased investment in security operations, operatives are frequently delayed by impassable roads, giving criminals the upper hand in launching attacks and escaping undetected.

“The key to defeating these threats lies in the physical presence of security personnel in these hard-to-reach areas,” said a senior security official. “But without proper roads, we are always one step behind.”

In response, the Federal Government has intensified efforts to revamp and expand Nigeria’s road infrastructure using durable concrete technology, which offers longer-lasting solutions to the country’s infrastructure deficit.

Among the flagship projects are:

  • 1,068-km Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway (connecting North West to South West)
  • 750-km Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway (linking the South West, South-South, and South East)
  • 477-km Trans-Saharan Highway (Calabar–Ebonyi–Kogi–Benue–Nasarawa–FCT corridor)
  • 422-km Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe Expressway (North Central to North East)

According to the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, these road projects are not just about improving transportation—they are about national security. “Concrete roads will enhance access to communities previously cut off from government presence, reduce transportation costs, and most importantly, allow for faster emergency and security response,” he said.

Experts say the new roads will integrate advanced technologies, including AI-powered traffic cameras, GPS tracking systems, IoT sensors, and satellite imaging to support real-time monitoring and operational coordination.

Complementing Roads with Security Infrastructure

Alongside road development, the Ministry of Police Affairs, led by Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, is rolling out a complementary security architecture. This includes:

  • National Criminal Data Fusion Centre (NCDFC): Now 90% complete, designed to promote inter-agency intelligence collaboration.
  • National Crime and Incident Database Centres (NCIDB): Already operational and aggregating biometric data of suspects and witnesses across police divisions.

Some divisional police stations are now piloting biometric data collection to prevent criminals from evading justice by simply relocating.

States and Local Governments Urged to Act

While the Federal Government handles major trunk A roads, state and local governments are being urged to rehabilitate trunk B and C roads to ensure seamless movement of security personnel within local jurisdictions.

States like Lagos, Kano, Edo, and Oyo have already established Command and Control Centres, enabling real-time surveillance and faster incident response. In addition, the National Public Security Project, now under concession, has launched toll-free emergency lines and is rolling out smart divisional police stations in locations such as Mpape (Abuja), Akaeze (Ebonyi), and Ekinrin-Adde (Kogi).

A New Dawn for Security in Nigeria?

The convergence of improved road networks, smart policing technologies, and centralized criminal databases marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s approach to national security. Analysts believe that criminals will find it increasingly difficult to hide or operate freely, as improved infrastructure tightens the security net.

More importantly, citizens in previously neglected regions can now look forward to greater government presence, quicker emergency response, and safer communities.

As Nigeria turns a corner in its battle against insecurity, concrete roads may very well be paving the way, both literally and strategically, towards a more secure and prosperous nation.

Resident Doctors Issue 10-Day Deadline, Threaten Nationwide Strike

Tosin Onisuuru
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8
Resident Doctors Issue 10-Day Deadline, Threaten Nationwide Strike

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government 10 days to address its pending welfare demands or face a nationwide strike.

In a communiqué released on Monday and signed by NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara; General Secretary, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Omoha Amobi, the doctors said the decision followed an Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held virtually on Sunday.

The association recalled that in July it had initially given a three-week deadline, but later extended it by another three weeks to allow further dialogue with relevant stakeholders. Despite this, it said the government had failed to deliver on its promises.

According to the communiqué, “The E-NEC condemned the failure of the Federal Government to fulfil its promises, noting with dismay that a substantial number of resident doctors remain unpaid for their 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund. The government has also refused to pay the outstanding five months’ arrears arising from the 25 per cent/35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review, as well as other longstanding salary arrears.”

The doctors also faulted the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria for “unjustly” downgrading the membership certificates of the West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons, and criticised the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria over the “persistent non-issuance” of membership certificates.

Other grievances included non-payment of the 2024 Accoutrement Allowance and what NARD described as negligence by some state governments towards their doctors.

Specifically, the association accused the Kaduna State Government of failing to honour agreements with its members at ARD Kaduna and Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital. It also berated the Oyo State Government for ignoring issues affecting doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho, despite an ongoing indefinite strike.

However, NARD commended state governors who have already paid the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, describing the move as a sign of commitment to doctors’ welfare.

The association demanded immediate settlement of all outstanding entitlements, reinstatement of full recognition for postgraduate membership certificates, and urgent resolution of welfare challenges in Kaduna and Oyo states.

It warned: “The E-NEC extends the ultimatum by a final 10 days to all relevant government agencies to meet these demands. Failure to do so within this period (expiring on Wednesday, 10th September 2025) will leave the NEC with no other option than to embark on a nationwide strike action.”

Nigerian Missions Abroad Struggle With Unpaid Rents And Salary Backlogs

Ohiomoje Margaret
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5
Nigerian Missions Abroad Struggle With Unpaid Rents And Salary Backlogs

The Federal Government has admitted that Nigerian embassies and consulates around the world are facing serious financial difficulties, with staff salaries, allowances, and rents left unpaid.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, attributed the problems to years of budget shortfalls and the recent impact of foreign exchange policy changes.

According to the ministry, the financial strain has disrupted the effective running of several missions, leaving locally recruited staff unpaid, home-based officers without their allowances, and missions indebted to landlords and service providers.

“The ministry is aware of the challenges that limited funding has placed on the operations of our missions, ranging from delayed staff salaries to unpaid rents and unsettled obligations to service providers,” the statement explained.

It added that Nigerian diplomatic posts are not exempt from the country’s economic realities, noting that inadequate funding over time has undermined their ability to fully discharge their diplomatic responsibilities.

Despite this, the ministry assured Nigerians that the welfare of foreign service officers and their families remains a priority for President Bola Tinubu’s administration. It disclosed that special intervention funds had already been released to ease the situation, with over 80 per cent of available resources directed to settling staff salaries, claims, and service provider arrears.

To ensure accountability, the government has set up a verification committee to review the debt records of missions and confirm the legitimacy of payments.

The ministry also revealed ongoing collaboration with the Office of the Accountant-General to recover 2024 budget shortfalls linked to exchange rate fluctuations under recent monetary reforms. The first tranche of relief funds has already been disbursed, with some missions confirming receipt, while a second tranche is being processed with the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Looking forward, the ministry said efforts are underway to establish a more sustainable funding model for embassies and consulates, aligning with wider fiscal reforms to strengthen resource management and governance.

While acknowledging the patience of diplomatic staff, service providers, and host countries, the ministry expressed optimism that the financial setbacks are temporary.

“We are confident these challenges will be overcome through the ongoing reforms. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains committed to safeguarding the welfare of Nigerian citizens abroad and upholding the country’s diplomatic presence globally,” the statement concluded.

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