WAEC Plans to Introduce Computer-Based Testing Mode for Examinations

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has revealed its intention to incorporate Computer Based Test (CBT) mode into the administration of its examinations.

Mr. Patrick Areghan, WAEC’s Head of National Office (HNO), provided insights into this development during an interview with NAN on Saturday.

Areghan expressed that the introduction of the CBT mode for conducting certain examinations has been a fundamental part of his vision for the organization.

”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,” he said.

He said it is not as easy as some people 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, why can’t WAEC do the same?

“Now, no one even talks about energy; how many schools are exposed to computer literacy? How many have computer facilities, and how many have electricity to run these things?

“Even where you have all these things on ground, how do you handle the issue of theory and practical papers? So, these are the issues, but that is what I want the council to do in the very near future,” he said.

He further stated that the council should be able to conduct CBT examinations, even if it means starting with the objective questions.

He added that WAEC may have a segregated market, adding that those who cannot afford the CBT will go for the pencil and paper mode.