The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced it will commence the Computer-Based Examination (CB-WASSCE) in Ondo State with the upcoming November/December private examination.
Mr. Albert Akinyele, the WAEC Branch Controller in Ondo State, made this known during a sensitisation visit to the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Igbekele Ajibefun, in Akure, the state capital.
Speaking on the CB-WASSCE November/December Private Examination, Akinyele noted that the examination would be fully computer-based, and about five centres with 1,000 capacity have been prepared for the examination in the state
On May/June School Examination, the Branch Controller said the Council would adopt a hybrid approach – the objective section of the examination would be fully computer-based, while the theory section would remain manual; questions would be displayed on a digital screen, and students would write their answers in booklets.
Akinyele further said that all state principals have been fully briefed on this new development.
The Branch Controller commended the Ondo State Government for the prompt payment of WAEC fees for students in public schools.
He also sought the Ministry’s support for the new CB-WASSCE by requesting the provision of computer systems and logistics for moving equipment during the examinations.
In his response, the State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Igbekele Ajibefun, applauded the CB-WASSCE initiative, stating that it would be a significant step toward eliminating examination malpractice.
The Commissioner assured the examination body of the Ministry’s continued support and prompt payment of WAEC fees for public secondary school students.
The Commissioner, therefore, recommended that WAEC should conduct wide sensitisation campaigns to educate parents and students who have been posing questions about the examination’s new structure.
He also urged the examination body to immediately address any challenge encountered to ensure the system’s perfection in the long run.