ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYFC) has voiced its opposition to the proposed computer-based test (CBT) format for the upcoming West African Examinations Council (WAEC) exams in the country.
In a statement released in Kaduna on Friday, Yerima Shettima, the national president of the youth forum, expressed reservations about adopting the CBT mode, suggesting that it would likely result in widespread failure, particularly in rural areas where computer skills are limited or nonexistent.
The rejection comes following an announcement by Moyosola Adesina, the acting head of the public affairs unit of WAEC, stating the transition from the traditional paper and pencil test model to the CBT mode for the Senior School Certificate Examination, aligning with global best practices.
Shettima conveyed his dissatisfaction, proposing that CBT exams should have been made optional, allowing students to choose the format they feel most comfortable and capable of successfully attempting.
He referenced research conducted by the forum in northern states such as Zamfara, Jigawa, Taraba, Adamawa, Nasarawa, and Plateau, which indicated consistently misleading failure rates among students attending public schools where computer skills were not commonly taught.
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Shettima remarked, “Even the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board ā CBT exam has placed underprivileged students in a predicament as they struggle to answer questions in an unfamiliar format.”
He highlighted challenges faced by students during CBT-based exams, including systemic failures, insufficient facilities, network disruptions, lack of proper computer skills, and outdated computers at CBT centers.
“The AYCF urges the Ministry of Education, Jamaāatu Nasril Islam, Christian Association of Nigeria, National Association of Nigerian Students, and other relevant civil society organizations to reject the planned CBT exams,” Shettima emphasized.
“The AYCF remains committed to promoting quality education, equitable examination processes, and the overall advancement of education in Nigeria. We stand ready to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to find suitable alternatives that ensure a level playing field for all students”, he concluded.