Plans to implement the Computer Based Test modality in the delivery of its exams, according to the West African Examinations Council, are well advanced.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday in Lagos, the head of the national office, Mr. Patrick Areghan, dropped the clue.
As he got ready to step down from office on October 1st, Areghan spoke against the backdrop of major accomplishments and developments made by the council under his leadership.
After his three-year term was up, he would retire.
Areghan stated that he had included using the CBT form of administration for some of the council’s exams in his vision for the organisation.
In terms of the CBT examination, we have already begun. We have made significant progress with our planning, and the registrar to the council is now working in the sub-region.
However, it’s not as simple as some may believe. This is due to the fact that we frequently ask ourselves how to undertake CBT for practicals and essay papers.
“Only in the case of objective inquiries can we do it easily. But so many people won’t look at it from that perspective. They contend that because others are already doing it, why can’t WAEC?
“Today, no one even discusses energy; how many schools provide computer literacy programmes? How many people have access to computer facilities and electricity to power them?
“Even with all of these elements in place, how do you deal with the problem of theory and practical papers? These are the problems, but the council needs to act on them right away.
“We should be able to administer CBT exams,” he stated. “Even if that means starting with the objective questions.”
The outgoing WAEC head added that already, the council had come to an agreement to administer the exam utilising a CBT platform while under his supervision, commencing with the objective questions and moving on to theory and practicals afterwards.
But even so, not all schools will be prepared, you can be sure of that. Perhaps we can create a separate market. People who cannot afford the CBT will use the pen and paper method instead.
I want to look at WAEC that way, he replied.
Areghan stated that he would like to see all of the council’s functions fully digitalized soon in addition to the deployment of the CBT.
He observed that practically every division of the council had undergone digitalization during his tenure.
“Almost everything in my life is now digital. Talk about certificates, results verification and verifying, and more.
“I’ll live to see a more widespread adoption of technology, allowing the council to transition from just being a world-class examination body to a technology-driven examination body, according to its new vision.
“I also want to see WAEC become more well-known internationally. I wish to investigate how we may conduct WAEC abroad with the help of the sub-region, or how Nigerian youngsters living abroad can take the WASSCE exam.
“Again, I want WAEC to take very soon to do that. That is one thing I intended to accomplish while in charge, but as I’ve already stated, it requires the sub-region’s support, not just Nigeria’s, for WASSCE to be conducted abroad.
“I also want to see the replication of the digital certificate that we successfully introduced in Nigeria throughout the entire sub-region; that would leave a legacy for any candidate who has taken the WASSCE and is located wherever in the world.
For instance, if your certificate is lost, destroyed by fire, or gets wet, it will still be visible with just a touch of the bottom.
The WAEC director remarked, “For me, this is a great legacy.”
He added that the Digital Security Printing Press for the council is yet another significant accomplishment made while he was in charge.
After 71 years of the council’s existence, the invention of the digital security printing press, in his opinion, is a commendable legacy.
In addition, he continued, there are internal programmes like the Staff Bus plan designed to mitigate the impact of increased transportation costs brought on by the elimination of fuel subsidies.
“We’ll take extra measures to inspire employees. Being a highly dedicated and wise individual, I am counting on my successor to do the same. He said, “I hope he accomplishes more than I do.
When asked about his greatest accomplishment, Areghan cited the timely announcement of results, the efficient administration of exams, and the production and distribution of diplomas to qualified applicants.
“That is my proudest accomplishment. That’s because, regardless of your other accomplishments on the council, you fail when you conduct any examinations.
So, the outgoing council leader told NAN, “I give God all the honour that I have been able to conduct all the tests, even in the COVID-19 years, from 2020 to 2023.
NAN
