WAEC set to introduce CBT for WASSCE

The West African Examinations Council says plans to introduce the computer-based test mode in the administration of its examinations are at an advanced stage.

Speaking with News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday, Patrick Areghan, the head of the national office, said the CBT mode of exams had been part of his vision for the body in the near future.

Areghan, whose tenure as the HNO elapses in October, said the process is already in its advanced stage.

He said the exam body will begin with objective questions and will consider schools that may not be able to afford CBT.
“We have already started something in terms of CBT examination. We have gone far with our planning and all of that, even in the sub-region, the registrar to the council is also doing something,” he said.

“But this is not as easy as some people will think. This is because we ask ourselves, how do we conduct CBT for practicals and essay papers?

“We can only readily do that in the case of objective questions. But so many people will not see it from that angle. They argue that some others are doing it, so why can’t WAEC do the same?

“Even where you have all these things on the ground, how do you handle the issue of theory and practical papers? So, these are the issues, but that is what I want the council to do in the very near future.

“We should be able to conduct CBT examinations, even if it means starting with the objective questions.

“But you can still be sure that not all schools will be ready. Maybe we can have a segregated market. Those who cannot afford the CBT will go for the pencil and paper mode.”