School Principals hail introduction of CBT in 2025 WASSCE

The All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools, ANCOPSS, has commended the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) for its introduction of Computer Based Test, CBT, in the 2025 Examination.

The body of principals in Nigeria stated that the introduction of the CBT in the conduct of WASSCE to a very large extent thwarted clandestine moves that some persons prepared before the examination.

National President of ANCOPSS, Muhammed Ibn Musa in a press statement made available to newsmen, on Monday, stated that examination malpractice is social malady that dates back in many years ago.

Musa said that as stakeholder in education in Nigeria, which sits in the council of examination bodies such as WAEC and NECO amongst others, it advises government on matters of policy formulations as they concern education in Nigeria.

He stressed the group's commendation of the authorities for the introduction of CBT in WASSCE 2025, adding that it was in the right direction, that many clandestine moves were not only frustrated but also checkmated.

"Other examination bodies are enjoined to come up with proactive measures that will give credibility to their examinations. ANCOPSS maintains a clear and unequivocal stand. We will stand by examination bodies in their quest to make legitimate moves toward getting it right.

"The die is cast! All hands must be on deck to ensure credibility of our examinations so that Nigeria can truly boast of credible education, assessment and certification. This is one sure way to nip in the bud, catastrophe waiting to happen," Musa said.

He decried the rising cases of examination mal-practice in the country saying that it is a cankerworm that has eaten deep into the fabrics of the society.

He said that the ugly development, calls for serious concerns if Nigeria must maintain the integrity and validity of assessment process and certification.

According to him, the battle against examination malpractice should be fought with vigour to bring the monster to a halt, adding that it is very worrisome that rather than abating, examination malpractice has continued to gain wide acceptance. 

"This of course has attendant consequences on individuals, institutions and society as a whole."

He noted that desperate efforts by governments and stakeholders to discourage examination malpractice have not yielded the desired results, rather the perpetrators of the malady have always sought new ways to prosecute their evil agenda.

"Various examination bodies in the country have introduced different methods to stem the tide in order to give credibility to their examinations. 

"The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) introduced Computer-Based Testing (CBT) in some subjects (English Language & Mathematics inclusive) in the west African Senior Schools Certificate Examination (WASCE) 2005.

"The results released recently, was greeted with outcry in many quarters especially as many candidates were taken aback by the introduction of CBT. 

"The performance of candidates in English Language and Mathematics reflects the impact of the innovation by WAEC. 

"CBT came with teething challenges but those who prepared adequately for the examination celebrated while those who employed underhand means starred in utter disbelief and disapproval."

Musa said that successive governments in Nigeria have never compromised in matters of examination malpractice, citing the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, as one who has left no doubt in his commitment to impact positively on the education sector. 

"His passion and drive serve as inspiration to examination bodies in the country to want to act with integrity and dignity."