The Federal Government has set a goal to transition its examination system to 100% computer-based testing , CBT, by 2027.

This announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during the inauguration of the Committee on the Improvement of Quality Examinations in Nigeria in Abuja on Thursday.

Dr. Alausa explained that the newly established committee is tasked with addressing critical challenges in the education sector, standardizing examination practices, and ensuring fairness and quality in assessments.

He emphasized the government’s commitment to combating widespread examination malpractices, which undermine the integrity of educational assessments across the country.

The minister highlighted that examination leakages are a complex issue that requires a comprehensive approach.

He pointed out that students are not the sole perpetrators of examination malpractice. “Parents, teachers, school principals, and even examination supervisors are all part of the problem,” Alausa said.

To tackle this, the minister outlined the goal of transitioning all examinations to computer-based formats by 2027, leveraging technology to enhance the integrity of the system.

“We will work tirelessly to make this happen,” Alausa stated. “Technology will play a key role in this transition, helping us combat issues like local candidate swapping and exam malpractices.”

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The committee’s objectives include eliminating examination leakages, preventing identity theft during exams, and improving overall examination supervision.

Alausa stressed that the committee’s work would be supported by the government’s increased funding for education under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, with a focus on human capital development.

In a move to further safeguard the integrity of examination results, the minister also announced that certificates issued by examination bodies like WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB would feature three key identifiers: national identification numbers, candidate photos, and birthdates.

This change, which will take effect from the May, June, and July exams, aims to ensure the authenticity of results and minimize fraudulent practices.

“I have instructed all exam body registrars to implement these three identifiers on certificates to ensure almost 100% certainty in identifying candidates,” Alausa said.

Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, Chairman of the new committee and Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for the opportunity to lead the committee.

He pledged to carry out the responsibilities of the national assignment with diligence and expediency.

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