Educational stakeholders in Kwara State have expressed their concern following the proposed implementation of Computer-Based Tests by the West African Examination Council.
It would be recalled that the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) over the weekend said it has commenced plans to introduce the Computer Based Test (CBT) mode in the administration of its examinations.
Patrick Areghan, WAEC’s Head of National Office, said the body has begun preparation in that regard, noting that planning has gone far with the registrar and the council of the examination body.
The announcement, however, has generated reactions from stakeholders in the educational sector in Kwara state. The stakeholders, while speaking with me, expressed concern with the impending innovation from the West African Examination Body and highlighted some of its impact.
Principal of the Government Day Secondary School, Tanke, Ajadi Abdulganiyu while speaking to Royal FM, denied having prior knowledge of such plans.
“WAEC shoulf have invited all the schools through the Ministry of Education. They know how thet assemble Principals. They should have done that so that they will just address us and let us realize the new system of the test that they want to introduce, that’s the CBT test but there was no notification regarding that.”
Sharing his concern, the Examination Coordinator of an Ilorin-based School, Sunday Victor revealed that schools in the state and country at large are not ready for the transition.
“For now, we are not ready for that exam because the cost is there likewise the facility but if it is what WAEC wants to do, then the school has no choice but to look for funds and make sure they meet the standards.”
The stakeholders, however, shared an optimism that the new method will help curb the menace of examination malpractice experienced during the exams.
“This is computer age. This is technology. We have to be improving, we don’t have to be stagnant so it’s good because it’s going to reduce the so-called malpractise because when you allow the students to write their tests the way we normally do it, it encourages inefficiency and unnecessary assistance to students.”
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how schools in Kwara State will adapt to this new testing method and whether it will ultimately achieve its intended goal of reducing examination malpractice.
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