The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) is close to implementing the Computer Based Test (CBT) mode for its examinations, according to Mr Patrick Areghan, the Head of National Office (HNO).
In an interview on Saturday in Lagos, Areghan discussed the progress made during his tenure and his plans to introduce CBT.
He stated that his vision included the administration of exams using the CBT platform, starting with objective questions and later theory and practicals.
Areghan will be stepping down from his position on Oct. 1, after serving a three-year term.
Areghan said introducing the CBT mode of administrating some of the council’s examinations had been part of his vision for the body.
”We have already started something in terms of CBT examination. We have gone far with our planning, and even in the sub-region, the registrar to the council is also doing something.
“But this is not as easy as some people will think. This is because we ask ourselves how 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 others are doing it, so why can’t WAEC do the same?
“No one even talks about energy; how many schools are exposed to computer literacy? How many have computer facilities and electricity to run these things?
“Even where you have all these things on the 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 very shortly.
“We should be able to conduct CBT examinations, even if it means starting with the objective questions,” he said.
The outgoing WAEC boss noted that the council had concluded introducing the administration of its examination using the CBT platform under his watch in no distant time, starting with the objective questions and later theory and practicals.
“But you can still be sure that not all schools will be ready. Maybe we can have a segregated market. Those who cannot afford the CBT will go for the pencil and paper mode.
“So, I want to see WAEC in that light,” he said.
Areghan said aside from the introduction of the CBT, he would also like to see all the operations of the council fully digitalised shortly.”
