WAEC Set to Introduce CBT for WASSCE

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced plans to implement Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for the administration of its examinations.

Mr. Patrick Areghan, the Head of National Office for WAEC, revealed this development in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria.

Areghan explained that introducing CBT for examinations has been part of his vision for WAEC. While the council has made significant progress in planning for CBT examinations, the challenge lies in conducting CBT for practical and essay papers. Areghan noted that CBT is more feasible for objective questions.

He acknowledged that not all schools are equipped with the necessary computer facilities and electricity to conduct CBT exams, so the transition would require careful consideration. However, WAEC plans to gradually introduce CBT, beginning with objective questions and later expanding to theory and practical papers.

Areghan also mentioned the possibility of a segregated market, allowing schools that cannot afford CBT to continue using the traditional pencil and paper mode.

Besides CBT, Areghan expressed his desire to fully digitalize all operations of WAEC, from certificate issuance to results verification. He also aims to expand the council’s international presence by allowing Nigerian students in the diaspora to sit for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) overseas.

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One notable achievement under Areghan’s tenure is the successful launch of digital certificates, providing candidates with easy access to their certificates even if the physical copy is lost or damaged.

Areghan emphasized that his greatest achievement during his tenure has been the successful conduct of examinations, release of results on time, and the prompt issuance of certificates to deserving candidates.