Expressing deep reservations, the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum has strongly advocated for the cancellation of the proposed computer-based test (CBT) format in the upcoming West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) in Nigeria.
The forum contends that the adoption of this mode of examination could lead to widespread failure, particularly among students in the rural areas of northern states, where computer skills are either scarce or entirely absent.
In a statement released in Kaduna on Friday, Yerima Shettima, the National President of AYCF, emphasized the need for the CBT exams to be optional.
He suggested that candidates should be given the choice between the traditional pen-and-paper format and the computer-based approach.
According to Shettima, such flexibility would enable students to choose the format they are most comfortable with and capable of successfully navigating.
Citing research conducted in northern states such as Zamfara, Jigawa, Taraba, Adamawa, Nasarawa, and Plateau, Shettima highlighted the consistent trend of misleading failure rates associated with CBT exams, particularly in public schools where computer skills are not commonly taught.
The concern is amplified by the fact that the computer-based format has proven challenging for underprivileged students, exacerbating existing inequalities.
Shettima drew parallels with the challenges faced by students during the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) CBT exams, where many argued that their failures were attributed to systemic issues.
These issues included inadequate facilities, network failures during exams, and a lack of proper computer skills. The outdated desktop computers at CBT centers, often not properly maintained, further contributed to the difficulties faced by students.
Highlighting the urgency of the call for cancellation, Shettima stressed that it is essential to prevent a scenario where deserving students face an unfair and disproportionate rate of failure.
The objective, he emphasized, is to ensure that all students have equal opportunities for success, irrespective of their background or geographic location.
As the debate over the CBT format intensifies, the concerns raised by the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum shed light on the potential impact on education outcomes in the northern regions of Nigeria.
Balancing technological advancements with the need for inclusivity and accessibility remains a crucial challenge, requiring careful consideration by education authorities to ensure a fair and equitable examination system for all students.
