The Gambia and WAEC Collaborate on Exam Reforms

Officials are working to modernize testing protocols to reduce malpractice and improve transparency in the region.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Administration

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The Gambia’s education ministry and the West African Examinations Council are transitioning to computer-based testing to improve academic transparency and reduce malpractice. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Gambia’s education ministry is partnering with the West African Examinations Council to overhaul testing integrity. The initiative aims to digitize the assessment process to increase administrative efficiency and reduce examination malpractice.

Why it matters

By transitioning to computer-based testing, the council hopes to modernize examination delivery and marking processes. This shift is intended to bolster the credibility of academic credentials for students across the region.

Amos Dangut now serves as the 14th registrar of the council. The proposed technological reforms specifically target assessment improvements for Grade 9 and Grade 12 examinations.

The players

Amos Dangut

He is the 14th registrar and chief executive officer of the West African Examinations Council who assumed his current leadership role in October 2026.

West African Examinations Council

This regional organization manages public examinations and educational standards across several member nations.

Pateh Bah

He previously served as the registrar and chief executive officer of the West African Examinations Council before being succeeded by Amos Dangut.

The details

The collaboration emphasizes the integration of modern technology into both classroom learning and formal examination administration. These systemic updates are designed to enhance the overall speed and security of academic evaluations.

Timeline

  1. October 2023: Amos Dangut began serving as head of the Nigeria National Office.

  2. September 2026: Amos Dangut ended his tenure as head of the Nigeria Office.

  3. October 1, 2026: Amos Dangut was appointed as the 14th registrar of the WAEC.

  4. October 28, 2026: The meeting between Gambian officials and the WAEC was reported.

Culture Shift

This effort follows the West African Examinations Council's digital transformation roadmap. The collaboration between The Gambia and the council marks a direct expansion of that initiative to modernize regional assessment standards.

Students and educators should prepare for potential shifts toward digital assessment platforms in future testing cycles. These changes aim to provide a more secure and transparent testing environment for all academic participants.

The takeaway

Technological integration in education aims to solve persistent issues regarding examination security and reporting delays. Streamlining these systems is a critical step in ensuring that academic certifications remain widely recognized and trusted.

Further reading

Learn more about the latest developments in Administration procedures.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Businessday NG.

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