Education
WAEC Introduces CBT as Option in Nov. 2024 WASSCE
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West African Examinations Council (WAEC) says candidates for the November West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) will have the option of choosing between Computer Based Tests (CBT) and Paper Based Tests.
Head of National Office, WAEC, Nigeria, Dr Amos Dangut, stated this in Ibadan on Wednesday while monitoring the ongoing WASSCE, along with some principal officers of the council.
He said that the examination body had successfully conducted the first edition of the computer-based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), also known as CB-WASSCE in January/February.
According to him, private candidates writing WASSCE in November will have the opportunity of choosing between CB-WASSCE and paper-based test.
“The examination, held in January and February, yielded better performance compared to the previous year, with a significant decrease in malpractices from five per cent to 0.8 per cent.
“We are now gearing up for the upcoming private candidates’ examination in October and November, offering candidates the choice between the traditional pen and paper and the computer-based method,” Dangut said.
He said that the initiative was aimed at expanding computer-based examination to rural areas.
“It’s part of our plans to eventually implement computer-based examinations for all schools, in collaboration with the Federal Government and other stakeholders.
“We are also working on providing necessary facilities and training for schools to facilitate this transition,’’ he said.
The WAEC boss said contrary to what skeptics were saying, the transition to CBT method was a success and had reduced malpractices rate significantly.
“In any case, the world is already moving technologically. We also, as part of the global community, must ensure that we move along.
“And we can only do that by equipping our schools, getting the candidates prepared to face what lies ahead of them,” Dangut said.
While expressing satisfaction with the monitoring of WASSCE in some schools in Ibadan, he commended the calm and confident demeanor of the candidates and the conducive examination environment.
“It is my goal to maintain high standards across all schools to ensure fair comparisons of performance,” he said.
Dangut said that he was pleased to see the use of metal detectors and CCTV in some schools, expressing the hope that such practices were widespread.
He stressed the need for adequate infrastructure, well-equipped examination halls and qualified teachers, all of which, he said, were crucial elements for the advancement of the country’s educational system.
Also speaking, Mr Muhammad Musa, the National President, All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools of Nigeria (ANCOPSS), said the monitoring exercise was an indication that the examination body was proactive.
“WAEC’s goal is to ensure credible and malpractice-free examination, and today’s experience reflects positively on public schools’ efforts.
“Teachers and students alike appear well-prepared, exuding confidence despite our presence,” he said.
According to Musa, to enhance education, the federal government should focus on empowering teachers.
“Well-trained teachers with subject mastery can effectively educate students.
“I encourage schools and government to prioritise teachers’ participation in national and state coordination as well as marking exercises.
“This hands-on experience equips teachers to better understand examination requirements and, in turn, improves their teaching.
“Additionally, government support in terms of infrastructure and qualified educators is crucial for the development of education,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that WAEC officials on the monitoring team included Prof. Jacob Kwaga, the Federal Government’s nominee in WAEC; Director of ICT, Mrs Olufolake Ajayi and Zonal Coordinator of WAEC, Ibadan, Rosemary Ojo-Odide.
Others were: Director of Human Resources, Mrs Genevieve Chukwudi-Nwoko and Victor Odu. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Education
Post-UTME: Unilorin Screens 16,097 Candidates for Admission
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Prof. Kamil Rauf, the Director of University of Ilorin’s Computer-Based Centre, on Monday said a total number of 16,097 admission-seekers, attended the institution’s 2024 Post-UTME screening.
Rauf expressed delight over the seamless conduct of the exercise while speaking with newsmen in Ilorin, attributing the huge number to adequate preparations put in place by the university management.
“The success recorded in the exercise was as a result of the material and human resources’ support given to the CBT by the management.
“During the exercise, the centre employed the use of high level technological innovation it put in place by the institution,” he said.
Rauf also noted that the quality of the infrastructure at the CBT had impacted positively on the university’s internal examinations.
He said these included departmental examinations, Institute of Education examinations, Centre for Open and Distance Learning examination (CODL), remedial examinations and Post-UTME screening.
Rauf said that University of Ilorin, was also a centre used to conduct the police and pension service promotion examinations.
“Others include, examinations for the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, Nursing Council of Nigeria, and Agricultural Council of Nigeria, among others,” he said.
The Director was however silent on the number of admission-seekers the university would be giving admission to for the 2024/2025 session.
”I will get back to the media on this once the decision is taken,” he said.(NAN)
Education
UI Students Reject School Fees Increment
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The Students’ Union of the University of Ibadan (UI) on Friday rejected the school fees increment approved by the governing council of the institution.Report says that to show their disapproval, the students staged an overnight protest from 10:20 pm to 2 a.m.The President of the union, Bolaji Aweda; Vice-President, Bolutife Aboderin, and Secretary, Daniel Elemide in a statement, rejected the new fees.
“We reject the decision made by the council. We are embarking a boycott of classes until our demands are fulfilled.“We demand a reversal of the increase. The students demand that the school fees portal should be shut down within 24 hours until our demands were met,” they said.The union leaders urged students to make use of social media platfprms to mobilise others on the #UIFEESMUSTFALL and #SAVEUITES until there demands are met.NAN reports that the governing council of the university on Thursday, approved the increment in school fees of students of the university from 100 to 400 level and also fixed deadline for payment.In a statement signed by the Registrar and secretary to the council, G.O. Saliu and available to UCJUI, the decision was reached at the inaugural meeting of the council held earlier on Thursday and it considered the new levy as recommended by the Senate of the University.Students who have not yet completed their registration, the council said, were advised to do so on or before Sept. 4.“Consequently, students who are yet to pay and complete their registration exercises are advised to do so, on or before Sept. 4, to enable departments download lists of registered students, in preparation for the First Semester Examination,” the release read in part.Additionally, the council urged students to take advantage of financial aids such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and various scholarships offered by the University and other benefactors to assist indigent students.The council also made it clear that there would be no extension of the registration deadline, as the portal will be closed after the specified date.“Council equally directed that students be encouraged to take advantage of the students’ loan fund (NELFUND) and sundry scholarships instituted by the University and other weil-meaning philanthropists, to cater for indigent students.“Above is for strict adherence as the portal will not be opened after the deadline,” the released further clarified.Report says that the deadline for the payment of school fees was initially suspended, following the July protest . (NAN)Education
Tinubu Approves Federal University of Lafia Teaching Hospital, Nasarawa
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President Bola Tinubu has approved the conversion of Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Lafia, to the Federal University of Lafia Teaching Hospital, Nasarawa.In a statement on Wednesday by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, he said the approval followed a request by the Nasarawa State government.
“The conversion of the health facility to a federal teaching hospital will not only enhance the training of students in medical and allied sciences but also boost healthcare delivery in the state. “President Tinubu remains committed to ensuring the social welfare and healthcare security of Nigerians.“He will aggressively sustain his administration’s investment drive and efforts in the sector,” he said. (NAN)