The Federal Government of Nigeria plans to switch all examinations to 100 per cent computer-based testing (CBT) by 2027.
Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa announced this news during the inauguration of the Committee on Improvement of Quality Examinations, which took place in Abuja on Thursday, January 23.
Alausa explained the committee’s important role in tackling major issues in the education sector. He emphasized the need to standardize examination practices and enhance fairness and quality in assessments. He said he is committed to fighting exam malpractices and improving Nigeria’s overall quality of educational evaluations.
The minister noted that preventing exam leakages requires a broad approach. He stated, “Students are not the sole offenders in these malpractices.” Alausa pointed out that parents also encourage their children’s dishonest behaviour. Furthermore, teachers, school principals, and examination supervisors play roles in the rising misconduct.
“We plan to have all our exams computer-based by 2027,” Alausa said, He added that technology would be essential in this effort. The committee will also focus on local candidate swapping during exams.
Commitment To Eradicate Malpractice
Alausa commented on the various participants involved in exam practices, stating, “There are multiple participants in exam practices.” He warned that compromises might arise during this transition and assured that investigations and regulations would be in place to maintain integrity.
The minister outlined the committee’s objectives, which include eradicating examination leakages and improving exam supervision. He also stressed the importance of switching to computer-based exams by 2027 and addressing local candidate swapping.
He mentioned that under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, the government would invest significantly in education, focusing on human capital development. Alausa announced that exam certificates would now include three key identifiers: national identification numbers, candidate photographs, and birthdates. These additions aim to increase the integrity of examination results.
Alausa described exam malpractice as a growing concern. He warned that if it continues, it could harm the efforts of hardworking students. He instructed all examination bodies, including WAEC, NECO, and NAPTEB, to implement these identifiers by their following examination dates in May, June, and July.
Finally, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, the committee chairman and JAMB Registrar, thanked the Federal Government for trusting him with this important task. He pledged to carry out the assignment diligently and promptly.
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