The West African Examinations Council initiated its first-ever Computer-Based Test format for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination for private candidates on Saturday.

The examination began on January 31 and is scheduled to conclude on February 17, 2024.

The council’s Head of National Office Dr. Amos Josiah Dangut, provided insights while monitoring the examination in Lagos.

Dangut emphasized the need for the CBT format to prevent leaks of examination questions before the test, a recurring issue in the past.

He stated, “With the introduction of this CBT, the issue of candidates having foreknowledge before the commencement of the examination will largely have been eliminated. It can no longer be business as usual.”

The new format aims to enhance the security of the examination process by eliminating the traditional methods of carrying question papers and reducing the chances of examination malpractice.

He highlighted the success of the new system, noting zero hitches since the commencement of the examination.

The CBT examination is taking place simultaneously across all 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

The WAEC Test and Training Centre at Ogba is one of the 10 centers used for the Lagos examination.

Dangut emphasized the thorough preparations made by the council, including extensive sensitization and allowing candidates to familiarize themselves with the new process.

To ensure the smooth running of the examination, two alternative power sources independent of public supply were arranged for the computer systems.

One notable feature of the CBT format is the inclusion of walk-in candidates.

Dangut explained, “We have about 8,350 candidates sitting for this examination as of today because we have the opportunity for people who want to register and start their examination the next day.”

These “walk-in candidates” can register at least 24 hours before the commencement of the paper they intend to be examined on.

Regarding the format of the CBT, Dangut clarified, “This is a hybrid examination. The objective questions are beamed on the screen and are answered on the screen. But for essays, just like this General Mathematics paper 2, candidates have an answer booklet provided for them where they are expected to do their calculations, but the questions are also beamed on the screen. That is what makes it a hybrid mode.”

Dangut also stated that the results of the examination are expected to be released 45 days after the last paper, and plans are underway to strategize for the second series.