The West African Examination Council (WAEC) has announced plans to transition from paper-based exams to computer-based testing (CBT) in Nigeria. This significant shift was revealed by Dr. Amos Dangut, Head of the National Office for WAEC, during a recent visit to monitor the ongoing West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in Abeokuta.
Accompanied by Mrs. Mariam Oloko, the Permanent Secretary of Ogun State’s Ministry of Education, Dr. Dangut detailed the council’s vision to modernize the examination process by equipping approved examination centers across the country with electronic devices.
“We are looking ahead,” Dr. Dangut stated. “In the future, schools with the necessary facilities for CBT will be able to offer exams on computers. Those schools that aren’t quite prepared yet can continue using the traditional pen-and-paper method.”
Dr. Dangut emphasized that the move towards CBT is aimed at improving the efficiency and integrity of the examination process. He noted that this transition would not be immediate, allowing time for schools to upgrade their facilities and train their staff to handle the new system.
Mrs. Oloko expressed support for the initiative, highlighting the potential benefits for students and the education system as a whole. “The shift to computer-based exams aligns with global trends in education and assessment. It will enhance the quality of our examinations and better prepare our students for the future,” she said.
WAEC’s plan to implement CBT is seen as a progressive step that could transform the examination landscape in Nigeria, ensuring that students have access to modern, reliable, and efficient testing methods. The council is expected to roll out detailed guidelines and timelines for the transition in the coming months, as well as provide support to schools to meet the new requirements.
This move aligns with broader efforts to integrate technology into education and streamline processes to ensure accurate and fair assessment of students’ knowledge and abilities.