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The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has recently declared a significant change in how it will conduct the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE). In a statement released by WAEC's Public Affairs Unit on Monday, signed by acting head Moyosola Adesina, it was disclosed that they are adopting the Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode for exams.
This shift towards CBT is scheduled to debut with the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for private candidates in February 2024. WAEC explained that this move aligns with global best practices.
Unlike the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), which transitioned to CBT for its annual Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) long ago, WAEC had cited the complexity of its exams, especially with numerous subjects and practicals, as reasons for not making the switch earlier.
Established 72 years ago, WAEC is the oldest examination body in the West African sub-region, known for maintaining the integrity of its results globally.
Historically, WAEC has conducted its exams in the Paper-Pencil Test mode for over 70 years. The past heads of the agency, including the recently retired Patrick Areghan, argued that WASSCE goes beyond "ranking examinations" like those conducted by JAMB. WASSCE evaluates candidates based on a six-year curriculum, including practical exams such as drawing, identification, and cooking.
Issues like technology infrastructure availability, especially for school-based diets, and the number of days required for exams, have been challenges. Some schools, unable to provide common desks, are now expected to offer available computers and tools necessary for CBT, raising concerns among WAEC officials.
In light of technological advancements, WAEC is pioneering the adoption of CBT for assessment examinations. The first series of CBT exams will begin with WASSCE for Private Candidates in February 2024.
WAEC outlined that "Objective Tests" will be fully computer-based, while "Essay and Test of Practical" papers will be hybrid, with questions delivered on screen and answers written on booklets. The exams will take place in urban centers, and accommodations for candidates with special needs have been considered. Registration for the CBT exams starts on December 18, 2023.
To help candidates acclimate to the new format, WAEC has promised a mock examination before the main event. Prospective candidates are encouraged to hone their computer skills in preparation for this innovative change.
WAEC envisions a future where all its examinations will be delivered via computer, reinforcing its commitment to providing quality and reliable educational assessment while encouraging academic and moral excellence.