The Federal Government has announced plans to transition all national examinations to a fully computer-based testing (CBT) system by 2027. Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, disclosed this in Abuja while inaugurating the Committee on Improvement of Quality Examinations in Nigeria. The committee’s mandate is to address key challenges in the Education sector, ensure fairness in assessments, and standardise examination practices. Dr. Alausa emphasised that the Federal Government is committed to tackling the root causes of examination malpractices, which have long plagued the education system. He noted that the government sees Technology as a critical tool in ensuring the credibility and quality of national examinations.
Dr. Alausa highlighted the nature of examination malpractices, stressing that students are not the only culprits. He stated that teachers, school administrators, parents, and even examination supervisors often contribute to the problem. The minister expressed concern over these entrenched practices and pointed out that combating them requires a collective effort. He added that the committee’s work would focus on addressing question paper leakage, improving supervision mechanism, and eliminating identity theft. According to him, the transition to CBT is not only necessary for restoring confidence in the education system but also aligns with the government’s broader agenda of human capital development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Rural communities may face challenges that hinder CBT progress.
While the transition to CBT is a significant step forward, its success hinges on overcoming critical Infrastructure gaps in the education sector. Many schools currently lack reliable electricity, stable internet connectivity, and sufficient computer facilities, all of which are crucial for CBT implementation. Bridging these gaps will require substantial Investment from the government, alongside collaboration with the private sector, to ensure schools across the country are well-equipped for this digital transformation. Without addressing these foundational needs, the goals of the CBT transition could be difficult to achieve.
Moreover, rural areas, in particular, face additional challenges that could hinder the success of CBT implementation. These areas often struggle with poor infrastructure, limited access to technology, and digital illiteracy. Without targeted interventions, these disparities may widen the gap between urban and rural schools. To address these challenges, the government must prioritize providing reliable infrastructure, such as Electricity and internet access, while also ensuring that rural schools are adequately equipped with the necessary technology. Efforts must also focus on strengthening local capacity for managing and supporting the new system, so that no community is left behind in the digital transition of education.
Teachers and administrators must be trained for CBT success.
Equally important is the need to prepare teachers and administrators for the demands of the new system. Many educators, especially those in public schools, may need comprehensive training to effectively manage computer-based assessments. Without such capacity-building initiatives, the shift to CBT could face resistance and inefficiencies, undermining the government’s efforts to reform the education system. Training programmes should also extend to examination supervisors and invigilators to ensure they can adapt to the technological and logistical changes brought by the new system.
Furthermore, public trust in the CBT system will also play a crucial role in its adoption and success. To build this trust, the government must engage stakeholders through public awareness campaigns that explain the benefits of computer-based assessments and address any fears or misconceptions. Transparency in implementation and consistency in enforcing examination regulations will encourage parents, students, and educators to embrace the change. These campaigns should highlight how CBT can ensure fairness, accuracy, and efficiency, making the examination process more credible.
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Ultimately, the government’s vision for a fully computer-based examination system by 2027 represents a bold step towards modernising education in Nigeria. However, its success depends on careful planning, robust investment in infrastructure, and widespread stakeholder engagement. As the government works to implement this initiative, it must focus on creating an inclusive system that addresses the needs of urban and rural communities alike. By doing so, Nigeria can set a precedent for other nations seeking to revolutionise their education systems, ensuring that every student, regardless of location or background, has access to a fair, transparent, and technology-driven assessment process.