The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to fully transition its examination systems to 100% Computer-Based Testing (CBT) by 2027. This ambitious move was revealed by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, during the inauguration of the Committee on Improvement of Quality Examinations in Nigeria.
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“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,” the minister highlighted.
This decision marks a bold step toward modernizing the country’s examination process, addressing challenges such as examination malpractices, and ensuring fairness and quality across all assessments.
Why Transitioning to CBT Matters
The adoption of Computer-Based Testing comes with significant benefits:
- Enhanced Security: CBT reduces examination malpractices, such as identity theft and question paper leakages.
- Standardization: It ensures uniformity and fairness in examinations across the nation.
- Improved Supervision: CBT minimizes human errors in the evaluation process.
The Minister emphasized that transitioning to CBT would also combat practices like local swapping of candidates, a recurring issue during examinations.
Key Goals of the New Committee
To achieve the 2027 target, the government has inaugurated a dedicated committee tasked with:
1. Eliminating Examination Malpractices
The committee will focus on reducing widespread malpractice, acknowledging that multiple stakeholders—students, parents, teachers, and even supervisors—contribute to this issue.
“There are multiple participants in exam practices. From the student to parents, teachers, principals, to even people regulating and supervising exam conduct. During this change, a lot of areas of compromises will happen. There will be people investigating and regulating the exams,” he said.
2. Addressing Identity Theft
The use of technology will help identify and eliminate impersonation during exams, ensuring authenticity in the results.
3. Improving Examination Supervision
Stricter regulations and robust monitoring will enhance the quality of the examination process, from preparation to result collation.
Challenges Ahead
The transition to CBT is not without obstacles. The Minister pointed out that implementing this change will require addressing:
- Infrastructural Gaps: Ensuring nationwide access to the required technology.
- Training Educators: Equipping teachers and examiners with the skills to manage CBT.
- Combating Resistance: Overcoming resistance from those benefiting from the current manual system.
To mitigate these challenges, the government plans to work closely with stakeholders and adopt a holistic approach to ensure smooth implementation.
The Road to 2027: A Collaborative Effort
Minister Alausa stressed that achieving this vision requires cooperation from all sectors of the education system, including parents, teachers, school administrators, and regulators.
The government is committed to using technology to improve educational assessments and safeguard the integrity of examinations.
What This Means for Nigeria’s Education System
Transitioning to 100% CBT by 2027 represents a significant shift in Nigeria’s education landscape. It reflects the government’s commitment to:
- Upholding the integrity of examinations.
- Providing a level playing field for all students.
- Modernizing the education system to align with global standards.
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This change will foster a culture of accountability and quality within Nigeria’s education sector. While challenges remain, the commitment to fairness, quality, and technological advancement offers hope for a better future.