The West African Examinations Council is at an advanced stage of planning to introduce Computer Based Testing for its examinations.
WAEC Head of National Office, Mr Patrick Areghan, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday in Lagos.
Areghan said that introducing the CBT mode of administrating some of the council’s examinations had been part of his vision for the body.
”We have already started something in terms of CBT examination. We have gone far with our planning and all of that, even in the sub-region, the registrar to the council is also doing something.
“But this is not as easy as some people will think. This is because we ask ourselves, how do we conduct CBT for practicals and essay papers?
“We can only readily do that in the case of objective questions. But so many people will not see it from that angle. They argue that some others are doing it, so why can’t WAEC do the same?” He said
However, he noted that there were some challenges to consider before implementing CBT for all examinations. According to Areghan, not all schools have computer literacy or computer facilities. Another challenge is that it is difficult to conduct CBT for practicals and essay papers.
Areghan said that the council was considering starting with CBT for objective questions only. He also said that the council was looking into ways to make CBT more affordable for schools.
Speaking further, he said that he would like to see WAEC become a technology-driven examination body. He also said that he would like to see the council expand its reach overseas.
He said that he was proud of his achievements as WAEC Head of National Office, including the successful conduct of examinations, the release of results within stipulated time, and the printing and release of certificates to deserving candidates.
Areghan is set to bow out of office on October 1, after completing his three-year tenure.
