8,285 Candidates Register For Maiden Computer-based WASSCE

The Head of National Office, West African Examinations Council, WAEC, Nigeria, Dr. Amos Josiah, has announced that 8,285 candidates have registered for the maiden computer-based West African Senior School Certificate Examination, CB-WASSCE, first series examination.

THE WHISTLER reported that WAEC had made plans to introduce the CBT mode in the administration of its examinations.

In a press briefing held on Monday at WAEC head office, Yaba, Josiah disclosed that the examination which is slated for Wednesday, January 31, to Saturday, February 17, will see candidates get their results released after 45 days of the examination.

Josiah stated that to successfully conduct the examination and to curb examination malpractices, the body has carefully selected examination officials who have been trained by the Council to serve as Proctors during the conduct of the examination.

“It is spanning two weeks and four days. 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 noted that the body, in keeping with its vision of being a world-class examining body and its core value of innovation, the Council has taken the bold step due to the great potentials that exist in Computer-based approaches to assessments.

“The Council is aware that the news of this innovation was initially greeted with some level of resistance.

“This only served as fuel for the Council to forge ahead on its course to conduct the CB-WASSCE.

“The Council is therefore encouraged by the acceptance of this innovation as evidenced in the number of entries received so far,” he said.

Breaking down the number of candidates, Josiah stated that 3,949 of the candidates are male, representing 47.66 per cent while 4,336 are female, representing 52.3 per cent.

He explained that the candidates would be examined in 19 subjects, made up of 26 papers.