The West African Examinations Council (WAEC),  has announced the commencement of the second edition of the Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CBWASSCE) for private candidates. The examination will start on Friday, October 25, 2024, and run until December 20, 2024. This latest development represents a significant step in WAEC’s efforts to modernize its examination processes and reduce exam malpractice.

In a statement , WAEC revealed that the October edition of the CBWASSCE will follow a hybrid approach. According to Adesina Fadekemi, a spokesperson for WAEC, “The examination will adopt the hybrid mode of delivering the examination, which implies that the objective or multiple-choice questions would be rendered on-screen, and candidates would be required to give their responses on the screen, while the essay and practical questions will be rendered on-screen, likewise, but candidates would have to give their responses using the answer booklets provided.”

Options for Candidates: Hybrid and Paper-Based

WAEC has also provided an alternative option for candidates who prefer the traditional approach. Those who wish to use the Paper and Pen mode can choose this option for all examination papers. Additionally, the popular “Walk-in-Candidate” opportunity, where candidates can register 24 hours before a paper is scheduled, remains available.

The introduction of the CBWASSCE marks a strategic move by WAEC towards embracing technological advancements in the examination process. Dr. Amos Dangut, the Head of National Office for WAEC, Nigeria, commented on the successful first edition of the Computer-Based Test conducted in January and February 2024. He noted that the transition led to a marked improvement in candidate performance and a significant reduction in cases of malpractice, from five percent to 0.8 percent.

The Road to Technological Transformation

With the upcoming private candidates’ examination in October and November, WAEC is offering candidates the flexibility to choose between traditional pen-and-paper exams and the newer computer-based method. This flexibility aims to ease the transition while familiarizing candidates with the computer-based format.

As WAEC continues to expand its computer-based examination initiative, the organization has collaborated with the Federal Government and other key stakeholders to provide the necessary facilities and training for schools. “It’s part of our plans to eventually implement computer-based examinations for all schools,” said Dr. Dangut. “The world is already moving technologically, and we must ensure that we move along as part of the global community.”

Uncertainties for Ghanaian Candidates

While the CBWASSCE has proven successful in Nigeria, it remains uncertain whether Ghanaian candidates will be offered the option to select the Computer-Based Test for upcoming examinations. WAEC has yet to clarify this, leaving students and educational stakeholders in Ghana awaiting further announcements.

Why the Transition Matters

The shift towards a computer-based examination system is not merely a matter of convenience; it represents a broader trend towards digital transformation in education. By reducing the rate of malpractice and enhancing the efficiency of examinations, WAEC is setting a new standard for educational assessments in West Africa.

The hybrid model ensures that the transition is smooth and accommodates all candidates’ needs, while still paving the way for a future where computer-based testing becomes the norm.

Final Thoughts

WAEC’s second edition of the CBWASSCE marks another step forward in the evolution of educational assessments in West Africa. The October 2024 examination is set to offer candidates more flexibility, reduce malpractice, and promote technological adoption in education.

With the introduction of the hybrid mode, students and schools across the region can expect a gradual shift that ensures no one is left behind. However, stakeholders eagerly anticipate further clarity on whether Ghanaian candidates will also join this technological transformation.