The Federal Government and the National Assembly have backed the
planned commencement of the Computer-Based Test, CBT, by the
West African Examinations Council, WAEC.
WAEC had earlier disclosed plans to fully migrate from paper-based
examination to CBT in 2026, a move that generated controversy in some
quarters.
Addressing members of the National Assembly and critical stakeholders
at a sensitisation meeting in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Olutunji
Alausa, said the CBT will strengthen and transform the architecture of
student assessment in Nigeria’s education sector.
Alausa noted that the Federal Government is backing the computer-
based conduct of the WAEC examinations to eradicate examination
malpractices in addition to protecting the credibility of the exercise.
According to him, the migration to CBT is a deliberate step to secure the
integrity of the education system.
The Minister added that the shift will further enhance the reputation and
credibility of the examinations both locally and internationally.
On his part, the WAEC Head of National Office, Amos Dangut, said the
transition, which began with private candidates in 2024, had recorded
significant progress and will be scaled up nationwide.
Dangut explained that mock sessions and online practice platforms
would be introduced to help candidates familiarise themselves with the
system, stressing that no student would be left behind.
On concerns about infrastructure and cyber risks, he assured
stakeholders that WAEC had successfully conducted exams in hard-to-
reach areas without disruptions.
Chidozie Chima | September 26, 2024
