Sulyman Pakoyi, Mujeebah Shittu & Omowumi Oyewumi
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Recently, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) said it planned to upgrade to Computer-Based Tests (CBTs) for all its examinations within the next three years, which include the West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). The council claims the step will make the examination process more secure, efficient and provide a more reliable and qualitative educational assessment. WEEKEND HOPE sampled the opinions of some people on this issue. Their views:
I think the exams should remain handwritten, considering possible technical issues that could negatively affect the students during the exams.
To make these exams computer-based is a good thing, because it will reduce corruption in the sense that people collecting huge amount of money to sit for exams will reduce.
It will educate students the more on how to operate the computer system. Operating system might also help in giving accurate scores, unlike the written. Most times, when the examiners are marking the scripts, some of them might not be in good moods and they might score the student the mark he or she does not deserve. But if it is a computer system, it will give the accurate scores, except the system is faulty. So, it’s a good decision. Most students will prepare and read hard in order to get good results.
The government should make the exam at the level of Secondary School Education (SSCE) computer-based with the availability of computers and authorise the modern programme. The use of computer will make the exams easier.
I support this initiative because it will make the exams more efficient.
However, the government should test-run it first in some schools before making it nationwide. We need to ensure that the system won’t crash or face network issues during exams.
Making these exams computer-based is long overdue. Other countries have been doing it for years.
Nigeria needs to embrace technology in education. But we must ensure that no student is left behind due to digital illiteracy.
Before digitalising the exams, I think students in the villages and remote areas should be considered, because most of them are not computer literate. They don’t have access to computers.
What about electricity which is not available in these remote areas. Also, most schools in the remote areas do not have computer teachers. Then, who bears the cost of fuel, in case there is no light, even in the cities? So, for me, I don’t think we are ripe for that now.
The idea of digitalising these exams is great, but we must ask ourselves if our schools are ready. Many public schools lack computers and stable electricity.
Without proper infrastructure, students from less privileged backgrounds may be at a disadvantage.
The decision to make the exams computer-based is a significant step towards modernising the education system.
It will enhance the efficiency and transparency of the examination process, reduce the chances of malpractice, and make it more accessible for students.
However, it also raises concerns about the digital divide, because not all students have equal access to technology and the internet.
Overall, it’s a move that could bring about positive changes if implemented thoughtfully.
Furthermore, it will enable students to acquire modern technology education for the development of the education sector.
Computer- based test has both advantages and disadvantages.
On the positive side, it can improve efficiency or competence of an individual/student by reducing cases of exam malpractice, minimise logistical issues like paper shortages, and make the results processing faster because the computer would have been programmed to do the markings/scoring. It can also make exams more accessible in the long run, especially for students in remote areas if internet infrastructure is improved.
There are also disadvantages when it comes to government’s decision to make the exams computer-based. Students in rural or underprivileged areas may lack access to reliable electricity, internet, or digital devices, putting them at a disadvantage and this won’t be good at all except the government is willing to fix that aspect. System crashes, software glitches, or power outages during exams could disrupt the process of the examination. Something similar happened to me during my JAMB examination and it’s not something I would want for anyone.
In all, if the government ensures proper infrastructure, training for teachers and students, good electricity supply and security measures, the move could be beneficial and the decision can be well established.