Northern Group Kicks against Introduction of CBT By WAEC

John Shiklam in Kaduna

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has called for the cancellation of the introduction of Computer-Based Test (CBT) for the conduct of the forthcoming West African Examinations Council (WAEC) examinations.

In a statement in Kaduna, yesterday, the forum said such mode of examination will lead to massive failure among students, especially those in rural areas who are not computer literate.

The statement signed by Yerima Shettima, President of the AYCF, said WAEC should make it optional, allowing candidates to choose between the traditional pen and paper format and the computer-based approach.

Shettima maintains that such options would give students the opportunity to opt for the format they are most comfortable with in the exams.

He said research conducted by the AYCF in selected northern states such as Zamfara, Jigawa, Taraba, Adamawa, Nasarawa, and Plateau, “reveals that the CBT exams have consistently led to misleading failure rates among students attending public schools, where computer skills are often not taught.

“Even the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) CBT exams have placed underprivileged students in a predicament, as they struggle to answer questions in a format they are unfamiliar with.”

He said further that, “Many students who failed the CBT-based JAMB exams last year argued that their failures were a result of systemic failures, including insufficient facilities or network failures during the exams.

“Additionally, a lack of proper and adequate computer skills, coupled with outdated desktop computers that are not properly maintained by CBT centres further exacerbate the situation.

“As the exams are timed, these delays significantly hinder the performance of students who otherwise possess sufficient knowledge of the content.

“In the light of these findings, the AYCF urgently calls upon the Ministry of Education, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), and other relevant Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to unite and reject the planned CBT exams.”

Shettima said this decision is imperative to prevent a massive failure rate among students who deserve fair and equal opportunities for success.

He added that 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”.