The West African Examination Council (WAEC) has announced the adoption of a computer-based test (CBT) for the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) for private candidates.
Gatekeepers News reports that the council, in a statement signed by Moyosola Adesina, the acting head, public affairs unit of WAEC, on Monday, said the innovation will begin with its 2024 mock SSCE to be held next February.
According to WAEC, the objective tests will be entirely computer-based, while the essay and practical papers will follow a hybrid approach, with questions displayed on screens and candidates recording answers in paper booklets.
“In line with global best practices, the Nigeria National Office of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) wishes to inform the general public, and all its stakeholders, that it has concluded plans to migrate its WASSCE for Private Candidates Examination Diets from Paper and Pencil Test to Computer Based Examination (CBE),” the statement reads in part.
“Furthermore, the examination will be conducted in urban centres/cities and candidates with special needs have been factored into the pain.
“Registration for the examination will commence on Monday, December 18, 2023.
“In order to enable candidates to familiarise themselves with the new examination platform, arrangements have been concluded for a mock examination to be conducted in February 2024, before the examination commences.
“To this end, the council implores all prospective candidates to hone their computer skills and be fully prepared to embrace this innovation.
“As Africa’s foremost exam body, providing reliable educational assessment and encouraging academic and moral excellence, it is the vision of the council that, in the near future, all its exams will be delivered via the computer.”
