By Gabriel Dike
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) yesterday made clarification on the planned Computer Based Testing for the conduct of it various examinations.
The council’s clarification followed opposition against the conduct of WASSCE using the computer-based method by a Northern Arewa Youth Forum, which claimed it would work against Northern students.
WAEC in a statement signed by the acting Head, Public Affairs, Mrs. Moyosola Adesina said a media report stating that a youth forum recently rejected the planned Computer Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CB-WASSCE) for private candidates – first series, 2024.
According to her, the said examination is to be conducted by WAEC Nigeria and is scheduled to hold between January 31 to February 17, 2024, adding, “the agitation for the rejection of the CB-WASSCE was in response to an earlier media report in which WAEC purportedly announced that it had ditched the paper and pencil testing model and had adopted the computer based testing model for the conduct of the school candidates’ examination”.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the West African Examinations Council hereby states unequivocally, that it had never announced the adoption of the Computer Based Testing model for the conduct of the WASSCE for school candidates, 2024; therefore, the media report under reference is false and misleading.
“Recall that a press release was issued in November 2023 stating that plans had been concluded for WAEC Nigeria to conduct its first-ever examination using the Computer Based Testing model in the upcoming WASSCE for private candidates- first series, 2024.
“WAEC has on several platforms, outlined the mode for taking the upcoming CB-WASSCE and put measures in place to ensure that candidates, the examination environment and the general public are adequately sensitised on the requirements and outlay for the examination.
Candidates are hereby reminded that all Multiple Choice (objective) questions would be delivered (posted) and answered on computer while Essay (theory and practical) questions would be delivered (posted) on screen, for candidates to answer questions of their choice in provided answer booklets,” she stated.
The council in the statement said it is not unaware of possible challenges that may be encountered by candidates during the conduct of the examination.
The image maker of WAEC added that a trial test and a free mock examination have been scheduled to take place on WAEC’s designated platforms for prospective candidates, whether secondary school students or out-of-school individuals, to familiarise themselves with the testing environment, prior to the commencement of the WASSCE for private candidates – first series, 2024.
She added: “Notification for the mock examination will be sent to prospective candidates through their emails. Announcements for the scheduled mock examination will also be made through mainstream and new media. In addition, candidates are also advised to visit WAEC Nigeria’s website and social media spaces for relevant information and guidelines on how to navigate the CB-WASSCE platform.
“WAEC Nigeria has engaged the services of CBT centres across the Country, checked their suitability to host candidates for the CB-WASSCE, throughout its duration. Some of WAEC’s Zonal and Branch Offices will also be equipped to cater for candidates who will be assigned to sit the examination at the offices, for logistic reasons. Or some candidates will be assigned to sit the examination at designated WAEC Branch and Zonal Offices, for administrative purposes.”
Adesina explained as an organisation that prioritises excellence, innovation and professionalism as its core values, it assured the geeneral public that WAEC would not compromise its standard on quality assessment and global best practices, to ensure the smooth conduct of the WASSCE for private candidates – first series, 2024.