The Federal Government has set a 2027 target for transitioning the country’s examination system fully to Computer-based Testing (CBT).
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this during the inauguration of the Committee on Improvement of Quality Examinations in Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja.
He said the committee was mandated to address key challenges in the education sector, standardise examination practices and ensure fairness and quality.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling examination malpractices and enhancing the overall quality of the nation’s educational system.
The minister stressed that tackling examination leakages requires a holistic approach, as students are not the only culprits in malpractices.
He noted that parents also contributed to examination malpractices by encouraging their wards.
Alausa said: “Teachers, school principals as well as those supervising the examinations are also culpable in the rising examination malpractices in the country.
“So, we are 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 committee will also be working with local swapping of candidates.
“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 listed the goals of the committee to include eliminating examination leakages, addressing identity theft in examinations, and improving examination supervision.
The minister revealed that examination certificates would now feature three key identifiers – National Identification Numbers, candidates’ photos, and birthdates to ensure the authenticity of results.
“I have mandated all the registrars of our examination bodies, such as WAEC, NECO, and NAPTEB that by their next examinations scheduled for May, June, and July, there will be three identifiers on the certificates they issue.
“These identifiers will be the national identification number of the candidates, the picture of the candidate on the certificates, and their date of birth.
“By having these three identifiers, we will ensure almost 100 percent certainty in identifying candidates,” he stated.