The West African Examination Council (WAEC) in Nigeria has announced plans to gradually eliminate the use of paper in the conduct of its examinations.
Dr. Amos Dangut, Head of National Office, revealed this development on Thursday while monitoring the ongoing West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in Abeokuta.
Dr. Dangut, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ogun Ministry of Education, Mrs. Mariam Oloko, stated that WAEC is preparing to deploy electronic devices to various recognized examination centers across the country.
“In the future, we will enable schools with the necessary facilities to conduct computer-based testing for the WASSCE,” Dr. Dangut explained. “Schools that are not yet ready will continue with the pen-and-paper method. We will work closely with the Ministry of Education to establish a timeline for this transition.”
The assessment of the ongoing examinations was reported as satisfactory, with Dr. Dangut noting that both schools and students were well-prepared. However, he emphasized the need for larger laboratories with sufficient equipment to accommodate all students.
Over 1.8 million candidates are currently sitting for the WASSCE across Nigeria.
Mrs. Oloko stated that the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun has already started the process of online registration for pupils in both public and private schools within the state.
She assured that there would be continuous upgrades to Information Communication Technology (ICT) and other facilities in public schools to better prepare teachers and students for the future.
The monitoring team visited several schools in Abeokuta, including Abeokuta Grammar School, Baptist Girls College in Idi-Aba, Sacred Heart College in Oke Ilewo, and Charis College in Oke Ata.
