The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has identified computer-based testing (CBT) as a major strategy that could help reduce examination malpractice in Nigeria, particularly the activities associated with alleged “miracle centres.”
The call was made by Timothy Manga, an official of the WAEC office in Makurdi, Benue State, while speaking on concerns surrounding examination malpractice and its impact on the credibility of public examinations and academic certificates.
According to Manga, reports about the alleged existence of “miracle centres” in Benue State are concerning, although WAEC has not officially confirmed any school in the state as a miracle centre.
He warned that examination malpractice poses a serious threat to the education system because it gives an unfair advantage to candidates who do not adequately prepare for their examinations.
Manga stressed that schools should be recognised for providing quality education and preparing students for examinations rather than for facilitating cheating.
He explained that an effective examination system should reward students based on their knowledge, preparation and competence instead of their ability to obtain unauthorised assistance during examinations.
While noting that WAEC would continue to monitor developments, Manga said the examination body would take appropriate action if credible information about malpractice centres emerges.
Teacher Supports Greater Use of CBT
Rebecca Ezekiel, a teacher at NKST Secondary School in Makurdi, also supported the increased use of computer-based examinations.
She said CBT could help reduce the influence that schools and teachers may have over examination processes by allowing examination bodies to exercise greater control over examination venues, personnel and security arrangements.
According to her, candidates should take public examinations under conditions that are sufficiently independent of the schools where they received their instruction.
Ezekiel also recommended the use of additional technologies to strengthen examination monitoring. These include biometric verification systems, closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and other security measures that can help examination authorities identify and prevent malpractice.
CBT and the Future of Public Examinations
The increasing adoption of computer-based testing is expected to change how major examinations are conducted in Nigeria. Beyond reducing opportunities for physical interference during examinations, properly implemented CBT systems can provide examination bodies with greater control over candidates, centres and examination procedures.
However, technology alone may not completely eliminate examination malpractice. Effective monitoring, reliable infrastructure, trained examination personnel, strong security measures and strict enforcement of examination rules will also be necessary.
The concerns raised by WAEC officials and education stakeholders highlight the need for continued reforms aimed at protecting the credibility of examinations such as the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examination Council (NECO) examinations.
A credible examination system remains essential to ensuring that academic certificates accurately reflect students’ knowledge, skills and level of preparation.
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