The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has called for the
cancellation of the introduction of the computer-based test (CBT) for the
conduct of the forthcoming West African Examinations Council (WAEC)
assessments.
WAEC earlier announced plans to adopt CBT-based testing for
its assessments — starting in 2024.
AYCF said such a mode of examination will lead to massive
failure among students, especially those in rural areas who are not computer
literate.
In a statement signed by Yerima Shettima, president of the
AYCF, the group said WAEC should make it optional, allowing candidates to
choose between the traditional pen-and-paper format and the computer-based
approach.
Shettima maintained that such options would allow students
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, showed
that the CBT exams have consistently led to failure 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.
“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skills, coupled with outdated desktop computers that are not properly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 the decision is imperative to prevent a
massive failure rate among students who deserve fair and equal opportunities
for success.
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