Jack Acheme, Abuja
Published: Nov 13, 2023
The Nigerian National Office of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced its intention to transition the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for private candidates from traditional paper and pencil tests to computer-based examination (CBE), aligning with global standards.
WAEC Nigeria conducts various examination categories annually, including WASSCE for School Candidates and WASSCE for Private Candidates (1st & 2nd Series).
According to a statement from WAEC’s Public Affairs department, signed by the acting head, Moyosola F. Adesina, the introduction of computer-based examination will begin with the WASSCE for private candidates, 2024 – first series, scheduled for February 2024.
“While the objective tests will be fully computer-based, the essay and test of practical papers will be hybrid, in which the examination questions will be delivered on screen; and candidates will be required to write answers on the answer booklets given to them.”
“The examination will be conducted in urban centres/cities, and candidates with special needs have been factored into the plan. Registration for the examination will commence on Monday, December 18, 2023.”
“In order to enable candidates to familiarize themselves with the new examination platform, arrangements have been concluded for a mock examination to be conducted in February 2024 before the examination commences,” the statement read.
WAEC urged all prospective candidates to enhance their computer skills and adequately prepare for this innovative approach.
“As Africa’s foremost examining body, providing qualitative and reliable educational assessment, encouraging academic and moral excellence, it is the vision of the council that in the near future, all its examinations will be delivered via the computer,” it added.
