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Poorly arranged CBT SSCE portends mass failure – Educationists

By Sulyman Pakoyi & Mujeebah Shittu

Educationists in Nigeria have criticised  Federal Government’s plan to make Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) fully computer-based by 2027.

They argued that implementing the decision without a feasibility study and provision of needed facilities across schools could lead to failure among the students.

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, recently announced that FG has a 2027 target for transitioning its examination system to 100 per cent computer-based testing (CBT).

Alausa stated that the approach is part of a broader effort to modernise the examination process and reduce malpractice.

Speasking with The Hope, the Director of Genesis Home Tutors, Mrs Uju Onyekachi, argued that digitalising examinations should not be the priority. Instead, improving the quality of education and providing regular teacher training should take precedence.

According to her, some examinations cannot be fully digitalised due to the complexity of their formats.

“We must understand that not all exams are meant to be digitalised. Some international examinations remain paper-based, and they function effectively in that format.

“The West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) is complex because it includes both objective and theory sections. Does this mean students will be required to type their responses for the theory section, despite strict time constraints?

“If they are asked to draw diagrams, as is sometimes required, how will they do so? Digitalising the SSCE will be highly complex,” she added.

Mrs Onyekachi also emphasised that writing skills are an essential part of learning. She believes that digitalising examinations may make students reluctant to write, ultimately affecting their handwriting and literacy skills due to over-reliance on digital devices.

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While describing the move as transformative, Mr Kassim Yusuf Adeboyega, an educationist, urged the government to conduct a feasibility study to assess the effectiveness of implementation before full adoption.

He highlighted the lack of ICT infrastructure as one of the major challenges to digitalising SSCE examinations in Nigeria.

“Most schools lack adequate ICT infrastructure, including stable electricity, which is a major challenge. There must be massive investment in ICT infrastructure and alternative power sources such as solar energy. Internet-enabled devices should also be equitably distributed across the country,” he added.

Adeboyega further noted that limited internet access, especially among secondary school students in rural communities, could hinder the digitalisation process.

“I also want to advocate for equitable access to high-security tools. There is a clear divide between urban and rural areas, and the government often channels more resources into urban regions. No community should be left behind in this process,” he emphasised.

He advised the government to invest in ICT infrastructure and provide periodic training for educators and administrators to ensure readiness before implementation.

Additionally, he suggested that the government develop a robust security framework to guarantee proper monitoring and maintain the integrity of the examination system.

“Technical glitches have been reported in some Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres used for other examinations, highlighting the need for improvements.

“The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has been using CBT for its exams, but WAEC and NECO have yet to implement it. However, even with JAMB, security concerns and other challenges persist. These must be addressed before full-scale implementation of digital examinations for the SSCE,” he concluded.

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