WAEC reveals 8,285 candidates signed up for maiden computer-based-WASSCE

By Sodiq Adelakun

Over 8,000 candidates have registered for the first series of the Computer Based-West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for private candidates in Nigeria.

The Head of National Office for the West African Certificate Examination, Dr Amos Dangut, made this announcement during a press conference in Lagos on Monday.

The examination is scheduled to take place from Wednesday, January 31 to Saturday, February 17, 2024, across various locations in Nigeria.

This move towards computer-based testing was first announced by the council in November 2023. Dr Dangut emphasised the importance of this new approach, stating that it would provide a more efficient and secure examination process for candidates.

The computer-based model is expected to enhance the accuracy and speed of grading, as well as reduce the occurrence of malpractice during the examination.

Dangut said the council was aware that the news of this innovation was initially greeted with some level of resistance, saying, “This only served as fuel for the council to forge ahead on its course to conduct the CB-WASSCE.”

He added that however, the council was encouraged by the acceptance of the innovation as evidenced in the number of entries received so far.

“As of today, Monday, January 29, 2024, a total of 8,285 candidates from across the federation have registered for the examination.

“Out of this number, 3,949 are male, representing 47.66 percent while 4,336 are female, representing 52.3 percent of the total candidature,” he said.

Dangut explained that candidates would be examined in 19 subjects, made up of 26 papers in a hybrid mode.

“Plans have, therefore, been concluded for this first-ever computer-based examination, which will be delivered in hybrid mode. The hybrid mode entails that the objective or multiple choice questions will be rendered on-screen and candidates are required to give their responses on the screen.

“The essay and practical questions will be rendered on-screen, likewise, but candidates will be required to give their responses using the answer booklets provided,” he said.

He called on candidates to visit WAEC’s e-learning portal for materials that would demonstrate to candidates the requirements for the conduct of the CB-WASSCE.

“We are set for the conduct of CB-WASSCE for private candidates, in 2024.

“We have and will always work hand-in-hand with the Federal Ministry of Education, the various State Ministries of Education, the Nigeria Police Force, other security agencies and stakeholders, to deliver, as usual, a credible examination to the Nigerian child and the general public,” he declared.