The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced that candidates taking the November West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) will be able to choose between Computer Based Tests (CBT) and Paper Based Tests.
Dr Amos Dangut, the Head of National Office for WAEC in Nigeria, made this statement in Ibadan on Wednesday while overseeing the ongoing WASSCE, accompanied by some principal officers of the council.
He stated that the examination body had successfully organized the first edition of the computer-based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), also known as CB-WASSCE in January/February.
Private candidates writing the WASSCE in November will have the chance to choose between CB-WASSCE and a paper-based test, according to him.
He observed that the examination conducted in January and February showed improved performance compared to the previous year, with a significant decrease in malpractices from five per cent to 0.8 per cent.
Dangut stated that they are gearing up for the upcoming private candidates’ examination in October and November, giving candidates the choice between the traditional pen and paper and the computer-based method. He stated that the aim of the initiative was to expand computer-based examinations to rural areas.
The WAEC boss confirmed that the transition to CBT method, despite skeptics' doubts, has been successful and has greatly decreased the rate of malpractices.
While commending the calm and confident demeanor of the candidates and the conducive examination environment, he expressed satisfaction with the monitoring of WASSCE in some schools in Ibadan.
Dangut expressed his pleasure at seeing the use of metal detectors and CCTV in some schools, hoping that such practices were widespread.
He highlighted the necessity for adequate infrastructure, well-equipped examination halls, and qualified teachers, all of which, he stated, were vital elements for the progress of the country’s educational system.
Also, Mr Muhammad Musa, the National President of All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools of Nigeria (ANCOPSS), pointed out that the monitoring exercise was an indication of the examination body's proactive nature.
