Candidates for the November West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) will have the choice between computer-based tests (CBT) and paper-based tests, according to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).
Head of National Office, WAEC, Nigeria, Dr Amos Dangut, stated this in Ibadan on Wednesday while monitoring the ongoing WASSCE, along with some principal officers of the council.
He reported that the computer-based West African Senior School Certificate examining (WASSCE), or CB-WASSCE, had been successfully administered for the first time in January/February by the examining organisation.According to him, private candidates writing WASSCE in November will have the opportunity of choosing between CB-WASSCE and paper-based test.
In comparison to the previous year, the examination, which took place in January and February, produced improved results, with a notable drop in malpractices from 5% to 0.8%.
“We are currently preparing for the next private candidates’ examination, which will take place in October and November. Candidates will have the option of using the computer-based approach or the conventional pen and paper method,” Dangut stated.
He clarified that the goal of the effort was to bring computer-based testing to remote areas.
We intend to work with the federal government and other partners to eventually provide computer-based exams for all schools.
He added, “We are also working on giving schools the facilities and training they need to support this transition”.
The head of WAEC stated that, in contrast to what some critics were saying, the switch to the CBT method was successful and had greatly decreased the rate of malpractices.
“Anyway, technological advancements are already affecting the world.” In addition, we have a responsibility to continue as members of the international community.
Dangut stated, “And the only way we can do that is by outfitting our schools and preparing the candidates to face what lies ahead of them.”Although he expressed pleasure with the WASSCE monitoring in several Ibadan schools, he also praised the applicants’ composed and self-assured manner and the exam environment’s favourable conditions.
“I want to make sure that all schools have high standards so that performance comparisons are fair,” he stated.
Dangut expressed his satisfaction with the implementation of CCTV and metal detectors in certain schools and expressed the hope that these measures would become commonplace.
He emphasised the significance of having qualified teachers, well-equipped exam rooms, and appropriate infrastructure as essential components for the development of the nation’s educational system.
Also speaking, Mr. Muhammad Musa, the National President of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools of Nigeria (ANCOPSS), commended the examination body’s proactive approach, stating, “The monitoring exercise demonstrates WAEC’s commitment to ensuring a credible and malpractice-free examination. Today’s experience reflects positively on the efforts of public schools. Both teachers and students appear well-prepared and confident, despite our presence.” Musa emphasized that empowering teachers is crucial to enhancing education, adding, “Well-trained teachers with subject mastery can effectively educate students, and the federal government should prioritize this.”
“I urge schools and the government to prioritize teachers’ participation in national and state coordination, as well as marking exercises,” he said. “This hands-on experience enables teachers to better understand examination requirements, which in turn improves their teaching. Moreover, government support in terms of infrastructure and qualified educators is essential for the development of education.”
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the WAEC officials on the monitoring team included:
- Prof. Jacob Kwaga, the Federal Government’s nominee in WAEC
- Mrs. Olufolake Ajayi, Director of ICT
- Rosemary Ojo-Odide, Zonal Coordinator of WAEC, Ibadan
- Mrs. Genevieve Chukwudi-Nwoko, Director of Human Resources
- Victor Odu
