NECO, WAEC And Government Push For CBT In Nigeria

By Dr. Richardson Ogwezzy

Nigerian examination bodies are appreciated for introducing Computer-Based Testing (CBT) into examinations. This move towards CBT is seen as a step towards modernising examination process, potentially ensuring efficiency, security and fairness in assessments. Computer-Based Testing (CBT) can also help in reducing some of the challenges associated with traditional paper based examination, such as examination malpractice, cost of examination materials, reduce cost of distribution of examination materials, delay in result processing, lack of accuracy and weak security measures etc.

If CBT is used to curb examination malpractice, it holds significance for various stakeholders. For government, it will enhance examination integrity and reduce malpractice risks, promote credible results for national assessments. Educational institutions benefits from improved examination security, ensuring fairness and boosting credibility of result. Students experience a level playing ground, ensuring fairness in grading and reducing anxiety related malpractice impacts. Parents gain increased confidence in result credibility, knowing results reflect their child’s abilities and promoting fairness.
There is concern that if every school must acquire CBT facilities, it could lead to increased costs for students and parents. Some speculate that students/parents will bear the cost burden for CBT examination registration. There is a suggestion that schools lacking CBT facilities might send students to other schools with these facilities – a situation some find concerning or laughable. In Nigeria, students/parents manage risks writing one-day University Matriculation Examination (UME) in specific centres but for an examination spanning weeks (unlike one-day UME) the situation could be more challenging and logistically tasking for students and parents.

Providing affordable and quality education is a key function of a responsible government. No nation can develop beyond its education level, and sound education is a lasting legacy a government can leave for its citizens. If the Nigerian government has decided to use CBT for external examinations to curb malpractice, it is argued that the government should provide the necessary facilities to actualize this method aimed at addressing the persistent malaise of examination malpractice.

Furthermore, our government should concentrate on ensuring accessibility, equity and security in implementing Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for external examinations. This includes making CBT facilities accessible to all students, regardless of locations, ensuring inclusivity for students with disabilities, providing adequate training for teachers and students on CBT systems, and bolstering cybersecurity to protect examination integrity. By addressing these aspects, the government can help make CBT an effective tool to reduce examination malpractice and enhancing education delivery.

Economic hardship in the country has led many Nigerian students to abandon their education because they could not register for their examination. If schools in Nigeria are to procure their CBT systems, invariably, the cost will be borne by students and parents. This will be a hard nut for parents to crack because an increase in the registration of examination will be tantamount to abandonment of education. If parents should bear the burden of a charge in examination format, then the caring, responsible and empathetic government really needs to step in and play a supportive role to balance innovation with the economic realities of Nigerian families.

If students without access to CBT centres are required to travel to schools with CBT systems, the government must prioritise student safety. Many students might need to travel to other locations, potentially in different Local Government Areas, increasing exposure to risks like insecurity and accidents. This situation could be particularly challenging in regions with limited infrastructure or heightened safety concerns. Additionally, the arrangement would be tasking to parents as students need to incur significant costs for transportation to reach these CBT centres.

There is high level of insecurity in secondary schools with inadequate security personnel. The government should focus on safeguarding not only the students but also CBT facilities. Emphasizing security of these facilities is crucial to prevent potential breaches, damage or misuse. Ensuring robust security measures for CBT facilities can help maintain the integrity of examinations and protect investments in technology. Adequate staffing and training of security personnel in schools can help mitigate risks. Safeguarding CBT equipment and infrastructure from theft, damage or unauthorized access is essential. Conducive regular security assessments in schools with CBT facilities can help identify vulnerability and improve safety.

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The government should be aware that many secondary schools in Nigeria lack adequate security measures, making them vulnerable to theft and vandalism. If CBT facilities are installed without proper protection, there is a high risk that they will be targeted. To ensure the success of the initiative, the government must prioritise robust security measures in schools to safeguard these valuable resources.
Richardson Ogwezzy PhD is a Statistician as well as an Educational Administrator