The West African Examinations Council, WAEC, has outlined facilities schools must provide as it prepares for the full migration of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination, WASSCE, to computer-based testing by 2026.
Head of Examinations, WAEC, Lucky Njoagwuani, announced the requirements on Thursday during a sensitisation programme held in Port Harcourt.
He explained that each school would be expected to provide at least 250 functional laptops, with an additional 10 per cent as backups.
According to him, a robust computer server capable of supporting 250 systems simultaneously must also be installed, alongside a Local Area Network.
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Other mandatory facilities include functional air conditioners, adequate lighting, uninterrupted electricity supply, a backup generator with a minimum of 40kVA capacity, CCTV cameras, and a reception or holding room for candidates.
Njoagwuani said the introduction of CBT would reduce logistics costs, improve the security of examinations, and enhance accessibility for candidates.
“We started with the fourth series of our private candidate exam about two years ago, and it was successful,” he stated.
“This year’s private candidate exam, second series, is fully computer-based with no option for pen and paper. Invariably, next year’s school candidate exam will be fully computer-based as well,” Njoagwuani added.
The Port Harcourt Zonal Coordinator of WAEC, Adeniran-Amusan Akim, called on schools to begin upgrading their ICT centres to meet the required standards.
He emphasised that schools unable to meet the demands would have their candidates assigned to designated CBT centres.
“WAEC will not lower the standards. Any school that wants to host the exams within its premises must provide the required equipment and infrastructure,” Akim said.
The Rivers State Chairman of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, Mr Sunday Jaja, advised school owners to utilise financial support schemes to fund the transition.
“Technology is playing a vital role in modern education. This initiative will enable schools to stay abreast of current trends and prepare students for the digital age,” Jaja noted.
The sensitisation programme was jointly organised by Teadro Systems Ltd, NAPPS, and partners including the Bank of Industry, HP, Lenovo, and Canon.
As part of the event, ICT gadgets such as computers, printers, and tablets were donated to selected schools through a raffle draw.
