The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has expressed its disapproval of the proposed computer-based test (CBT) structure for the upcoming West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WAEC) in Nigeria. The forum contends that implementing such an examination mode could lead to widespread failure among students, particularly in the rural areas of northern states where computer literacy is minimal.
Yerima Shettima, the National President of AYCF, issued a statement on Friday, urging the examination body to consider making CBT exams optional. According to Shettima, students should be given the choice between the traditional pen-and-paper format and the computer-based approach. The Forum conducted research in selected northern states, including Zamfara, Jigawa, Taraba, Adamawa, Nasarawa, and Plateau, revealing that CBT exams consistently resulted in high failure rates among students in public schools, where computer skills were often not taught.
Shettima emphasized that the introduction of CBT exams, as witnessed in the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exams, posed challenges for underprivileged students who struggled with an unfamiliar format. Factors such as insufficient facilities, network failures, and a lack of proper computer skills further compounded the situation.
The AYCF president highlighted the need to address these concerns to prevent a significant increase in the failure rate among students who deserve fair and equal opportunities for success. The call for flexibility in exam formats aims to ensure that students, especially those in less privileged areas, are not disadvantaged due to unfamiliarity with computer-based testing.
