The Nigeria Union of Teachers has voiced its criticism against the West African Examinations Council’s decision to shift its West Africa Senior Secondary Certificate Examination for Private Candidates from traditional paper and pencil tests to computer-based examinations. In a statement on Monday, WAEC disclosed that this transition would initiate with the WASSCE for private candidates in the 2024 first series, emphasizing its vision to eventually deliver all examinations through computer-based platforms.
Nevertheless, Dr. Mike Ike-Ene, the Secretary-General of NUT, argued that the Nigerian basic education sector is ill-prepared for the proposed Computer-Based Examination (CBE). During an interview with our correspondent, Ike-Ene pointed out the challenges, including the scarcity of computers in schools, inadequate electricity supply, and unstable Internet networks, which he believes could impede the successful implementation of WAEC’s CBE.
Ike-Ene stressed the importance of thoughtful policymaking, cautioning against hasty decisions and the tendency to adopt practices that may not align with the existing infrastructure. He raised concerns about the practicality of a paperless system, considering issues such as insecurity in schools, repair costs for computers, and the digital literacy gap among students.
Expressing skepticism about the viability of the CBE, Ike-Ene questioned how well-equipped schools would manage the security of computer assets and handle repair costs, particularly in cases where schools lack funding for such expenses. He highlighted the potential challenges faced by students in schools without access to computers, emphasizing that the idea may not be feasible at the moment. He even suggested the possibility of the NUT opposing the initiative and potentially going on strike if WAEC proceeds, claiming that whoever proposed it may have intentions to disadvantage Nigerian students.
Responding to WAEC’s plan to initially implement CBE in urban centers, Ike-Ene criticized the division it creates between urban and rural areas. He proposed a phased approach over the next five years to ensure schools have access to computers, taking into consideration the security issues in the vast expanse of Nigeria.
On a different note, Mr. Musa Ibrahim, the National President of the All Nigeria Conference of Principals of Public Schools, expressed approval for WAEC’s introduction of CBE for private candidates. He considered it a feasible step in embracing the digital era and viewed it as a pilot initiative to assess its pros and cons. Ibrahim supported WAEC’s decision to start with urban centers, anticipating a gradual expansion to school-based candidates. He believed this approach could help address issues like examination malpractice.
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