All are set by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to conduct its first-ever computer-based examination for private candidates who will be sitting for the first series of the West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) this year.
The examination, which will last two weeks, will commence on Wednesday, January 31, nationwide, with a total of 8,285 candidates who have so far registered to participate.
The Head of National Office, WAEC Nigeria, Dr Amos Dangut, made this announcement at a media briefing on Monday in Lagos to confirm the readiness of the organisation to conduct the first-ever Computer-Based Examination (CBE).
Dangut clarified again that the CBE format is exclusive for the private candidates for this first series for now, noting that WAEC has not decided when to incorporate the May-June school-based candidates into the new exam method.
He pointed out that WAEC is aware that there is still a lot to be done to equip schools with the needed infrastructure and resources and to adequately train manpower to handle the conduct of CBT exams for school candidates, who are always in large numbers.
The WAEC boss explained the modalities for the exam, saying candidates would only have their multiple-choice (objective) questions and answers on the computer, while essay (theory and practical) questions would be viewed on the computer for candidates to write their answers to their choice questions in the answer booklets provided.
He said WAEC is very aware of possible challenges that may come up during the exam, such as power failure, and it has made concrete arrangements for both human and material resources, including alternative sources of power supply, to make the examination hitch-free.
He noted that the results of the exam are expected to be released 45 days after the last paper was written, adding that the candidates would be able to share their certificates online soon after.
He, however, warned all the candidates and the exam officials against any form of malpractice, urging them to conduct themselves according to the rules and regulations guiding their participation.
He said WAEC, Africa’s foremost examining body, would continue to conduct credible examinations for its candidates.
