The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced the commencement of its first-ever Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CBWASSCE) for private candidates, starting on October 25, 2024. This groundbreaking initiative is set to last until December 20, 2024, marking a significant shift in the mode of examination delivery for private candidates.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, WAEC spokesperson Adesina Fadekemi explained that the examination would employ a hybrid model. “The objective or multiple-choice questions will be delivered onscreen, and candidates will input their responses directly onscreen,” Fadekemi stated. For essay and practical sections, the questions will also be presented onscreen, but candidates will submit their answers using traditional answer booklets provided by the examination body.
Additionally, the council has provided a paper-and-pen option for candidates who prefer to complete the entire examination in a traditional format. This flexibility is aimed at accommodating varying preferences and capabilities among candidates.
To further ensure inclusivity, WAEC has extended the registration deadline for the CBWASSCE to Tuesday, October 29, 2024. Moreover, the council will maintain its “Walk-in-Candidate” option, which allows candidates to register 24 hours before any scheduled examination paper.
This latest move by WAEC represents a milestone in modernizing the examination process for private candidates, reflecting the growing integration of technology in educational assessments across the region.
