SSCE Debate: Stakeholders Clash with WAEC & NECO Over CBT Implementation Plans
In a bold move to modernize Nigeria’s education system, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced that beginning next year, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) will shift to a computer-based testing (CBT) format for senior secondary school exams.
But as expected, this declaration has sparked nationwide debate, with educators, parents, students, and experts raising serious questions about the country’s readiness to fully adopt such a shift.
WAEC and NECO Say They’re Ready—But Are We?
According to WAEC’s Head of National Office, Dr. Amos Dangut, and NECO’s Registrar, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, both exam bodies have already started implementing parts of their exams using CBT. They claim the move will reduce logistical challenges, such as the recent incident where candidates wrote papers late into the night.
However, stakeholders argue that these agencies might be underestimating the scale of preparation required for full CBT adoption across the country.
Concerns From Parents, Educators, and Students
Despite the government’s optimism, key voices in the education sector are urging caution:
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Infrastructure Gap: Most Nigerian schools—especially in rural areas—lack reliable electricity, internet access, and even basic computer equipment.
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Digital Divide: Students from underserved areas may struggle due to limited exposure to technology or digital literacy.
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Exam Type Limitations: WAEC and NECO exams go far beyond multiple-choice questions. Subjects like chemistry, mathematics, and technical drawing involve problem-solving and practicals that aren’t easily transferable to CBT.
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Exclusion Risk: Education groups like CONUA and ASUU warn that this rushed implementation could marginalize thousands of students and reduce the depth of assessment.
Lessons from JAMB’s UTME Model
JAMB began using CBT for UTME in 2013 and now operates over 800 CBT centers nationwide. While this has become the norm for university entrance exams, replicating this model for WAEC and NECO, whose exams span weeks and cover more subjects, is an entirely different ballgame.
The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) also uses CBT in its operations, but its scale and scope are not comparable to secondary school examinations.
Experts Advise Gradual Implementation, Not Instant Reform
Many experts recommend that, rather than rolling out CBT nationwide at once, a phased or hybrid model should be adopted. For example, objective sections could be computer-based, while essay and practical components remain paper-based for now.
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Prof. Nassir Adesola (ASUU): “We shouldn’t rush this. Piloting CBT in specific subjects and locations first will help expose weak areas.”
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Dr. Isaac Areo (former UniAbuja lecturer): “Jumping into CBT could harm students’ writing skills and worsen exam anxiety. Not all learners are comfortable with computers.”
Practical Subjects Could Suffer
Critics, including lawmakers like Hon. Chinedu Ogah, worry that subjects involving laboratory experiments, measurements, or mathematical calculations might lose their essence under a full CBT system.
“Science is practical. How can you assess real-time reactions, titrations, or experiments on a computer screen?” Ogah asked.
Nigerian Students React—And They’re Not Holding Back
Students and representatives like NANS suggest using JAMB’s model as a test case before extending CBT to WAEC and NECO. Their major concerns include
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Access to CBT centers in rural areas.
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Transportation and logistics for students.
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Costs that might fall on already burdened parents.
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Consistency in the network and power supply during exams.
CBT Should Not Be Enforced Without Dialogue
Educators like Beatrice Aketuamhen and Ariyo Ismail argue that implementing such a massive shift without a solid national conversation is risky. “Nigeria is more than just Lagos and Abuja,” they say. “We must consider the realities in underserved communities.”
Final Thoughts: Is Nigeria Ready?
The push to digitalize secondary school exams through CBT is visionary—but only if the right groundwork is laid. Infrastructure, digital literacy, subject complexity, and equity must be tackled before this policy can succeed.
Call to Action
Students, parents, school administrators, and policymakers must unite to discuss the realities and logistics of such a transition. Share your views, attend community meetings, and demand inclusive planning. Your voice matters in shaping the future of Nigeria’s education system.
Conclusion
CBT in theory promises faster, more efficient exams. But in practice, Nigeria must tread carefully. The goal should be modernization—yes, but not at the cost of access, fairness, and educational depth. Let’s build the system before we flip the switch.
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