By Zainab Bakare
The Federal Government has expressed satisfaction with the ongoing National Examinations Council (NECO) school-based Senior School Certificate Examination conducted through the Computer-Based Test (CBT) format.
The government described the new approach as a major step towards reducing examination malpractice and improving the quality of secondary education in Nigeria.
The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, stated this on Wednesday after monitoring the examination at Redeemers Teap International School, Garki II, and Anglican Girls’ Grammar School, Gudu, in Abuja.
Ahmad said candidates had adapted well to the CBT system, with many students describing it as easier and more convenient than the traditional paper-based examination.
She noted that one of the key benefits of the CBT format is the randomisation of questions, which makes it difficult for candidates to engage in examination malpractice.
According to the minister, students confirmed that they received different sets of questions, reducing the possibility of sharing answers during the examination.
She assured that the Federal Government would continue working with the National Assembly, state governments, private sector partners and other stakeholders to provide the infrastructure needed for a nationwide transition to CBT.
Ahmad, however, said the full migration would only happen when adequate facilities are available to ensure no student is disadvantaged.
The minister also commended the smooth conduct of the examination, saying no cases of network failure, system breakdown or delays had been reported at the centres visited.
She said the successful implementation of the CBT pilot programme shows that the system can become a sustainable model for future national examinations.
