A noteworthy notification regarding the November West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) has been released by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). The choice between traditional paper-based tests and Computer-Based Tests (CBT) is now available to candidates. This innovation, which aims to adopt contemporary technologies and improve the testing experience overall, represents a substantial change in the examination procedure.
The Technological Transition of WAEC: An Educational Milestone
The Head of WAEC’s National Office in Nigeria, Dr. Amos Dangut, announced this development in Ibadan, Oyo State. Accompanied by important officers of the council, he visited to see the ongoing WASSCE and shared information about this innovative program. Dr. Dangut emphasized that WAEC had previously performed the inaugural computer-based WASSCE, or CB-WASSCE, successfully in January and February of this year.
Enhanced Output and Decreased Impropriety
In addition to highlighting the CB-WASSCE’s favourable results, Dr. Dangut mentioned that candidate performance had significantly improved from years prior. The rate of examination malpractice decreased significantly from 5% to 0.8%, which is noteworthy. Due to this achievement, WAEC has decided to provide CBT to private candidates who want to take the WASSCE in November.
“We are currently preparing for the next private candidates’ examination, which will take place in October and November. Candidates will have the option of using the computer-based approach or the traditional pen and paper method,” Dr. Dangut said. This decision is a part of WAEC’s larger plan, which includes working with the federal government and other stakeholders to eventually provide computer-based exams in all schools.
Bringing CBT to Rural Communities
The effort of WAEC is not just focused on cities. The council wants to make sure that all students, no matter where they are in the world, have access to this cutting-edge kind of assessment by bringing computer-based exams to rural areas. Dr. Dangut clarified that this action prepares candidates for upcoming problems and is in line with worldwide technology improvements.
We intend to work with the federal government and other partners to eventually provide computer-based exams for all schools. In order to help with this transition, we are also trying to provide schools with the infrastructure and training they need,” he stated.
The CBT Method’s Success
The switch to the CBT method has worked well, despite skepticism. It has demonstrated WAEC’s dedication to upholding the integrity of its exams by dramatically lowering malpractice rates. Dr. Dangut emphasized the significance of technology adoption in education, emphasizing that educating candidates and outfitting schools are crucial first steps in achieving this objective.
“Anyway, technology is already advancing in the world. As members of the global community, we also have an obligation to make sure that we advance. And the only way we can accomplish that is by providing our schools with the tools they need to prepare the candidates for what’s ahead,” Dr. Dangut stated.
Ensuring Credibility and High Standards
Upon touring several Ibadan schools, Dr. Dangut conveyed his contentment with the way the WASSCE was run. He complimented the candidates’ composed and self-assured manner as well as the favourable testing setting. “I want to make sure that all schools have high standards so that performance comparisons are fair,” he stated.
It was also mentioned that some schools were using closed-circuit television (CCTV) and metal detectors; Dr. Dangut expressed the wish that these practices were commonplace. These actions are a part of WAEC’s attempts to guarantee a reliable and safe examination procedure.
Active Steps Taken by ANCOPSS and WAEC
WAEC’s proactive attitude was praised by Mr. Muhammad Musa, the National President of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS). He pointed out that efforts made by public schools to guarantee reliable and dishonest exams are positively impacted by the oversight of exams.
“WAEC wants to make sure that exams are reliable and devoid of misconduct, and the current situation is encouraging for the work that public schools are doing in this regard. Despite our presence, teachers and students alike seem confident and well-prepared, according to Mr. Musa.
In Summary
Modernizing the examination procedure is aided by WAEC’s decision to offer Computer-Based and Paper-Based test options for the November WASSCE. This program not only makes the exams more credible and honest, but it also gets pupils ready for a world where technology will grow rapidly. Candidates from all over Nigeria will gain access to a more effective and secure testing environment as WAEC expands its CBT program.
Visit WAEC’s official website to learn more about the impending exams and to be informed of any updates. Also, keep an eye out for future announcements.
Credit: Allschoolabs, MySchoolGist
