The Federal Government has announced a plan to transition all national examinations in Nigeria to 100% computer-based testing (CBT) by 2027, as part of efforts to reform the education sector and combat malpractice.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this during the inauguration of the Committee on Improvement of Quality Examinations in Nigeria in Abuja on Thursday.
Alausa explained that the committee is tasked with addressing major challenges in the education sector, standardizing examination practices, and ensuring fairness and quality in assessments.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to tackling widespread examination malpractices, which he said involve multiple parties, including students, parents, teachers, and examination supervisors.
“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,” Alausa said.
He also highlighted measures to improve examination integrity, including eliminating identity theft and introducing new features for examination certificates. Certificates will now include three key identifiers: the candidate’s national identification number, photograph, and date of birth.
“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,” the minister noted.
Alausa warned that examination malpractice is a growing threat that undermines the efforts of hardworking students and urged all stakeholders to support the reforms.
Responding to the announcement, the Chairman of the committee, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, who is also the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), pledged to carry out the assignment with diligence and efficiency.
He expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for entrusting the committee with the task of improving the nation’s examination system.
Dr. Alausa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the education sector through significant funding under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, with a strong focus on human capital development.
The transition to a fully computer-based system is expected to bring greater transparency, fairness, and efficiency to Nigeria’s examination process.
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