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From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
The National President of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) Nigeria, Sola Adigun, has described the West African Examinations Council (WAEC)’s decision to commence computer-based examinations as a positive development, urging the federal and state governments to provide the necessary infrastructure to ensure successful implementation.
While noting that the shift would help curb examination malpractices, Adigun warned that inadequate preparation by governments could lead to mass failure.
The union president made the remarks during the Ekiti State ASUSS Day 2025 celebration held at the ASUSS Multipurpose Hall in Ado-Ekiti.
The event, which featured celebrations for the union’s retirees and a gala night, drew secondary school teachers from across the state’s 16 local government areas.
Adigun said, “The WAEC computer-based examination is a good programme because that is the trend the world is going into whether we like it or not. If parents that didn’t even have the knowledge of computer while in school are now using computer-based tests for their promotions at work because they know they are going to get financial gains from that, how much more these younger ones.
“But the challenge we are having is that it is not all the schools that are prepared and I want to say that this is not the fault of WAEC because WAEC has given us notice for the past two years. I want to put it to the governments at the different levels that it is their fault; they don’t take education seriously.
“If WAEC had said in 2024 that by 2026 we are going to start the CBT process for our examination, every government that I think takes education as its priority ought to have improved the infrastructural status of each school, but how many schools have this system? And that is why we are saying government should do the needful. We don’t want endless postponement of that programme because it is going to curb examination malpractices.
“This union that I am representing frowns at examination malpractices and we are going to support anything that will put an end to it because we want to be proud of our products. So, whatsoever it is going to take, we will support that. But a process that will even encourage mass failure, no teacher will support that.
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“Government should be prepared and thank God the government said they are not going to start fully next year; they have given another year. I expect every local government, every state government, and even the federal government to make sure that necessary equipment are provided. Nigeria can do that; even individuals can do that. Don’t be surprised individual private schools will meet up with that target. So, what about the government? The best infrastructure we can have is the education of our wards.
“So, let the budgetary provision of each state be increased and look into meeting the target of that process. We support the process wholeheartedly, but it should not be a process whereby mass failure will be encouraged because of lack of necessary infrastructure.”
While praising the Ekiti State government for regular pension payments, Adigun lamented delays in gratuity disbursements for retirees, appealing to Governor Biodun Oyebanji to address the issue.
In his remarks, Governor Oyebanji, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, expressed delight at the cordial relationship between the government and teachers, reiterating the administration’s commitment to their welfare.
At the ceremony, the union presented material and cash gifts to newly retired members.
Retirees expressed appreciation for the recognition, while appealing for faster gratuity payments.
The event also celebrated public secondary school students who excelled in Mathematics and English Language competitions organised by the union, with top winners receiving sound systems, trophies, and cheques.
Awards of excellence were presented to several personalities for their contributions to society.
