By Ayodele Oni
Plan by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to introduce Computer Based Test (CBT), into the conduct of its examinations is being threatened as a northern group rejected the move.
The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) which expressed reservations on the move, called for its cancellation for the conduct of the forthcoming West African Examinations Council (WAEC) assessments.
WAEC earlier announced plans to adopt CBT-based testing for its assessments — starting in 2024.
AYCF said such a mode of examination will lead to massive failure among students, especially those in rural areas who are not computer literate.
In a statement signed by Yerima Shettima, president of the AYCF, the group said WAEC should make it optional, allowing candidates to choose between the traditional pen-and-paper format and the computer-based approach.
Shettima maintained that such options would allow students to opt for the format they are most comfortable with in the examinations.
He said research conducted by the AYCF in selected northern states such as Zamfara, Jigawa, Taraba, Adamawa, Nasarawa, and Plateau, showed that the CBT exams have consistently led to failure among students attending public schools, where computer skills are often not taught.
“Even the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) CBT exams have placed underprivileged students in a predicament, as they struggle to answer questions in a format they are unfamiliar with.
“Many students who failed the CBT-based JAMB exams last year argued that their failures were a result of systemic failures, including insufficient facilities or network failures during the exams.
“Additionally, a lack of proper and adequate computer skills, coupled with outdated desktop computers that are not properly maintained by CBT centres further exacerbate the situation.
“As the exams are timed, these delays significantly hinder the performance of students who otherwise possess sufficient knowledge of the content.
“In the light of these findings, the AYCF urgently calls upon the Ministry of Education, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), and other relevant Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to unite and reject the planned CBT exams.”
Shettima pointed out that the decision was imperative to prevent a massive failure rate among students who deserve fair and equal opportunities for success.
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