The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has outlined the essential facilities that schools must have.
This is to prepare for the full transition of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) to computer-based testing (CBT) by 2026.
The disclosure was made by the Head of Examinations, WAEC, Mr. Lucky Njoagwuani, on Friday, during a sensitisation programme in Port Harcourt.
Advertisement
According to Njoagwuani, schools must install a minimum of 250 functional laptops with at least 10 per cent kept as backups.
They must also have a robust computer server capable of supporting all systems simultaneously, along with a proper Local Area Network (LAN) setup.
Additional mandatory requirements include functional air conditioners, proper lighting, uninterrupted electricity supply, a backup generator of at least 40kVA, CCTV cameras, and a holding room or reception area for candidates.
He emphasized that the CBT system aims to reduce logistics costs, improve examination security, and expand accessibility for students.
“We started with the fourth series of our private candidate exam about two years ago, and it was successful.
“This year’s private candidate exam, second series, is fully computer-based with no pen-and-paper option. Next year’s school candidate exam will also be fully CBT,” Njoagwuani stated.
The Port Harcourt Zonal Coordinator of WAEC, Mr. Adeniran-Amusan Akim, advised schools to upgrade their ICT facilities to meet the council’s standards.
“WAEC will not lower the standards. Any school that wants to host exams within its premises must provide the required equipment and infrastructure,” Akim warned.
Also, the Rivers State Chairman of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Mr. Sunday Jaja, encouraged school owners to leverage funding from the Bank of Industry and the Federal Government’s MSME intervention fund.
“Technology is playing a vital role in modern education. Schools must act now to prepare students for the digital age,” Jaja said.
