The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum has called for the cancellation of the proposed Computer-Based Test, format in the forthcoming West African Examinations Council exams in the country.
Our correspondent reports that the West African Examinations Council had said its plan to introduce the Computer Based Test mode in the administration of its examinations were at an advanced stage.
The former Head of National Office, Mr Patrick Areghan, had given the hint, saying that the examination body could commenced with the CBT mode with obective questions during the examination.
He had said, “we have already started something in terms of CBT examination. We have gone far with our planning and all of that, even in the sub-region, the registrar to the council is also doing something.
“But this is not as easy as some people will think. This is because we ask ourselves, how do we conduct CBT for practicals and essay papers?
“We can only readily do that in the case of objective questions. But so many people will not see it from that angle. They argue that some others are doing it, so why can’t WAEC do the same?
“We should be able to conduct CBT examinations, even if it means starting with the objective questions.”
However, according to the forum, such mode of examination to be introduced will result in mass failure for students, particularly in rural states where computer skills are scarce or completely absent.
The National President of AYCF, Yerima Shettima in a statement released in Kaduna on Friday, asserted that the CBT exams should have been optional, allowing candidates to choose between the traditional pen and paper format and the computer-based approach.
This, he argued, would have given students the opportunity to opt for the format they were most comfortable with and capable of attempting, successfully.
Shettima added that a research conducted by the Forum in selected northern states such as Zamfara, Jigawa, Taraba, Adamawa, Nasarawa, and Plateau, revealed that the CBT exams had consistently led to misleading failure rates among students attending public schools, where computer skills were often not taught.
He said, “even the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board – CBT exams have placed underprivileged students in a predicament as they struggle to answer questions in a format they are unfamiliar with.
“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 centers 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.”
Against this backdrop,the AYCF boss as a matter of urgency called upon the Ministry of Education, Jama’atu Nasril Islam, Christian Association of Nigeria, National Association of Nigerian Students and other relevant Civil Society Organizations, to unite and reject the planned CBT exams.
He noted that call became imperative to prevent a massive failure rate among students who deserved fair and equal opportunities for success.
“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,” he added.
