IGBOZURUOKE FORUM

WAEC building, Lagos

The West African Examination Council (WAEC) said yesterday that it would not adopt the computer-based test (CBT) in the conduct of its examination.

The council explained that it would continue with the old method, even though CBT has proven to reduce examination malpractice, as seen in the conduct of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

Zonal Coordinator of the examination body in Abuja, Yusuf Ari, who gave the revelation, added that the complex nature of its examinations and the spread of subjects it tests would make it difficult.

He acknowledged the effectiveness of the option, but stressed it may not be considered until after adequate facilities such as sufficient computer systems, steady power supply and other infrastructural provisions are guaranteed.

“WAEC exam is a very complex one. It may interest you to know that the council does not conduct exams in urban centers only. It penetrates through government and WAEC accredited schools in remote areas, unlike JAMB.

“We conduct examinations in over 80 subjects and many of them come in components. In fact, English language comes in three components, consisting of practical, theory and oral as the case maybe,” he said.

According to him, “Experts in education assessment believe that removing somebody from his or her place of residence, would psychologically and emotionally affect his or her performance.”

He also noted that the deployment of ICT would be difficult under such setting.

The Guardian