The Federal Government of Nigeria has set an ambitious target to transition all examinations in the country to 100% computer-based testing (CBT) by 2027. This groundbreaking initiative was disclosed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during the inauguration of the Committee on Improvement of Quality Examinations in Nigeria in Abuja on Thursday.
Dr. Alausa highlighted the government’s commitment to addressing systemic challenges in the education sector, standardizing examination practices, and ensuring fairness and quality in assessments. The minister underscored that this reform is part of a broader strategy to combat widespread examination malpractice and improve the overall integrity of the nation’s educational system.
Tackling Examination Malpractices
Acknowledging the multifaceted nature of examination malpractice, Dr. Alausa emphasized that students are not the sole contributors to the problem. Parents, teachers, school principals, and even examination supervisors have been implicated in various forms of malpractice.
“So, we’re planning that by 2027, all our exams will be computer-based. We will work so hard to ensure that that happens. We have to use technology to help our endeavour,” he stated. The minister also expressed the government’s intention to use technology to address issues such as examination leakages and local swapping of candidates during examinations.
Key Responsibilities of the Committee
The newly inaugurated committee, chaired by Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has been mandated to:
- Eliminate examination leakages.
- Address identity theft during examinations.
- Improve examination supervision and monitoring.
- Combat local swapping of candidates and other forms of malpractice.
Dr. Alausa stressed that examination malpractice poses a significant threat to the credibility of Nigeria’s education system. He warned that allowing malpractice to persist undermines the efforts of diligent students striving to improve themselves and achieve academic success.
Enhanced Examination Security Features
In a bid to ensure the authenticity and integrity of examination certificates, the Minister announced that certificates would now include three key identifiers:
- National Identification Numbers (NIN).
- Candidates’ photographs.
- Birthdates of the candidates.
“I’ve mandated all the registrars of our examination bodies, such as WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB, that by their next examinations scheduled for May, June, and July, there will be three identifiers on the certificates they issue,” Dr. Alausa said.
The introduction of these identifiers is expected to significantly reduce fraud and ensure almost 100% certainty in verifying the identity of candidates.
Government Support and Funding
Dr. Alausa credited the Tinubu-led administration for its substantial investment in education, with a focus on human capital development. He noted that this financial commitment would play a critical role in achieving the 2027 CBT transition goal and other educational reforms.
Committee’s Commitment
In response to the Minister’s directives, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in him and the committee members. He assured the public that the committee would execute its responsibilities diligently and promptly, contributing to a transformative shift in the nation’s examination practices.
Looking Ahead
As Nigeria embraces this bold move towards technology-driven assessments, experts anticipate a more transparent and efficient examination system. The transition to CBT is expected to enhance the credibility of academic qualifications and align the country’s education system with global best practices.
The Federal Government’s resolve to combat examination malpractice and implement CBT across all levels reflects its commitment to elevating Nigeria’s education sector to new heights. Stakeholders across the board are urged to support this initiative as it unfolds in the coming years.
About The Author
