The National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) has announced that it will soon start using Computer-Based Tests (CBT) for some of its major examinations, including the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) common entrance exams. This is big news for students, schools, and Nigeria’s entire education system!
NABTEB made this announcement over the weekend during a monitoring visit to one of its common entrance examination centres in Uromi, Edo State. This entrance exam is meant for students who want to gain admission into Federal Technical Colleges.
The announcement was made by Muhammed Aminu Muhammed, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of NABTEB. He was represented by Mr. Osaigbovo Pius, the Director of Quality Assurance at the board.
According to him, NABTEB is already working very hard to make sure it has all the tools and buildings needed to start using computers for exams. This is part of the board’s plan to move with the times and improve the way it tests students.
What is a Computer-Based Test (CBT)?
If you’ve ever taken an exam using a computer instead of writing on paper, then you’ve taken a Computer-Based Test, or CBT for short.
In a CBT, students go to an exam centre where they sit in front of a computer. The questions appear on the screen, and the student answers them by clicking or typing. Once done, the computer submits the answers, sometimes giving scores right away.
CBTs are already being used by JAMB (Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board) for UTME exams, and it’s been very successful. Now, NABTEB is getting ready to follow the same path.
Why Is NABTEB Moving to CBT?
The world is changing. Many schools, companies, and government bodies are now using computers for almost everything. Exams are no different. There are many good reasons why NABTEB wants to move to CBT:
✅ 1. Faster Results
When exams are taken on computers, the answers can be marked more quickly. Students don’t have to wait for months to get their results.
✅ 2. Less Cheating
CBTs make it harder for people to cheat because each student may get questions in a different order. Also, computer systems can monitor activities during the exam.
✅ 3. Saves Paper
By using computers, NABTEB will help reduce the amount of paper used. This is good for the environment and helps protect trees.
✅ 4. Easier to Organize
CBT exams are easier to organize and manage. The exam questions are uploaded once and accessed by all centres. There’s no need to print thousands of question papers.
✅ 5. Global Standards
In many developed countries, almost all exams are now computer-based. By joining them, NABTEB will ensure that Nigerian students are ready for global opportunities.
What NABTEB is Doing to Prepare
NABTEB knows that changing from paper exams to computer exams is not something that can happen overnight. It takes time, money, and planning.
That’s why NABTEB has started working on putting the right things in place. According to the Registrar, the board is:
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🔧 Building new computer labs in technical schools and centres.
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💻 Installing modern equipment, including computers, servers, and internet connections.
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👨🏫 Training teachers and staff on how to use the CBT system.
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🛠️ Testing the CBT system in small exams before using it for bigger ones.
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🧪 Getting feedback from schools and students to know what works and what needs to be improved.
Mr. Osaigbovo Pius, who spoke on behalf of the Registrar, said:
“CBT is the way to go now. JAMB is already doing it and WAEC may follow next year. We want to ensure that the infrastructure to enable the CBT exam is on the ground.”
What This Means for Students
If you’re a student planning to write NABTEB exams in the coming years, you need to start getting comfortable with computers. Don’t worry if you’re not yet good with them, there is still time to learn.
Here are a few tips to help students get ready for CBT exams:
📚 1. Learn Basic Computer Skills
Know how to:
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Turn a computer on and off
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Use a mouse and keyboard
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Open a browser
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Log in with a username and password
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Click on answers and scroll through pages
🖥️ 2. Practice CBT Mock Exams
Many websites now offer practice CBT exams that you can take online. Ask your school if they have any computer-based mock tests you can try.
👨🏫 3. Ask for Help
If you don’t understand something, ask your teacher, ICT instructor, or a friend who knows how to use a computer. Everyone started learning at some point, so don’t feel shy!
How Will Schools Benefit?
Schools will also gain a lot from this new system:
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🏫 Better Learning Experience – Students can use digital tools to learn faster.
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💡 Improved Infrastructure – Schools will receive more support to build ICT labs.
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📈 Higher Performance – Students who are exposed to technology early often perform better.
In fact, some schools already have CBT centres because of JAMB exams. These schools can now use the same facilities for NABTEB exams.
What About Rural Areas?
One big concern is whether schools in rural or remote areas will be able to take part in CBT exams. Not every school has electricity or enough computers.
NABTEB says they are aware of this and are working to find solutions. Some of the steps they are planning include:
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🚐 Mobile CBT Centres – Buses with computers that can visit remote schools.
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⚡ Solar Power Systems – To power computers in areas with no steady electricity.
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🤝 Partnerships with ICT Companies – To provide support and resources.
No student will be left out, and all schools will be carried along gradually.
When Will CBT Start?
While NABTEB hasn’t announced the exact year when CBT will fully begin for all exams, the plan is already in motion. It may start with pilot tests or smaller exams, and then move on to the main ones.
If everything goes well, students might start writing CBT exams within the next few years.
For now, students and schools are advised to begin preparing. Those taking NABTEB exams in the near future should pay close attention to news from the board.
Final Thoughts
NABTEB’s decision to move to Computer-Based Testing is a bold and welcome step. It shows that the board is serious about improving education and keeping up with modern trends.
With CBT, exams will be faster, cleaner, and more secure. Students will get used to using computers, which is a skill they will need in today’s digital world.
Let’s all support this change; parents, students, teachers, and school owners. Together, we can build a better and smarter Nigeria, starting with education.
So, whether you are a student, teacher, school owner, or parent, start preparing now. The future of exams in Nigeria is going digital—and NABTEB is leading the way.
Helpful Advice for Everyone
📌 For Students:
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Start practicing computer skills early.
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Use online CBT platforms to prepare.
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Don’t panic—learning to use a computer is easy if you try.
📌 For Teachers:
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Encourage your students to use ICT tools.
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Attend training on how CBT works.
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Update your teaching methods to include digital learning.
📌 For Parents:
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Support your child with access to a computer, even if it’s at a cyber café.
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Encourage them to take mock CBT tests online.
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Talk positively about technology and its benefits.
📌 For Schools:
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Build or upgrade your ICT labs.
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Partner with ICT companies to support CBT development.
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Organize training for your staff and students.
Conclusion
The future is here, and NABTEB is taking the lead in modernizing Nigeria’s education system. With the plan to embrace CBT, exams will be faster, fairer, and smarter. Students will also gain new skills that will help them succeed in life.