By Tina Chinyere – Portharcourt
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced plans to commence computer-based examinations, tagged CB-WASSCE, as part of efforts to curb examination malpractice and enhance the integrity of its assessments.
The new system, which will combine both digital and manual components, is scheduled to begin next year with the current SS3 students across the country.
Speaking during a sensitization rally in Port Harcourt to educate stakeholders, students, and the public on the innovation, the Zonal Coordinator of WAEC, Port Harcourt Office, Adeniran Amusan, said the initiative aims to eliminate examination leakages, ensure timely conduct of exams, and improve efficiency.
According to him, “The CB-WASSCE will eradicate the problem of logistics and late arrival of papers. The computer will also time the students, thereby ensuring fairness and transparency. It’s a hybrid system the objective questions will be done on the computer, while the essay and practical components will still be written manually on answer booklets.
“The essence is that students will not be shortchanged; it is faster, and there won’t be issues of logistics or late arrival of papers.”
Amusan explained that the move aligns with global best practices and will better prepare Nigerian students for technology-driven assessments in the future. He urged schools, teachers, parents, and students to embrace the new system as part of the modernization of education in the country.
Some students expressed mixed reactions to the development. While some welcomed the initiative as a step toward modernization and digital literacy, others raised concerns about limited access to computers and inadequate training.
Others, however, commended WAEC for the innovation, noting that the CB-WASSCE will discourage examination malpractice, promote fairness, and foster a more technologically advanced learning environment.
