The Nigerian government has set a target to fully transition its examination system to computer-based testing (CBT) by 2027, as part of its commitment to improving the quality and integrity of national assessments.
This was revealed 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 highlighted the committee’s responsibility to address key challenges in the education sector, with a particular focus on standardizing examination practices, ensuring fairness, and eliminating widespread malpractice. He emphasized that tackling examination leakages requires a holistic approach, noting that students are not the only culprits in the rise of exam-related fraud.
The Minister pointed out that parents, teachers, school principals, and even those overseeing the examinations have contributed to the prevalence of examination malpractices. He stressed that everyone involved in the examination process must be held accountable in order to curb the issue.
“One of our major goals is to have all exams computer-based by 2027,” Dr. Alausa said. “We will work tirelessly to make this a reality, leveraging technology to address the challenges we face.”
The minister also acknowledged the issue of local swapping of candidates during examinations, a practice that the committee will work to eliminate. He stated that addressing examination fraud requires comprehensive efforts from all stakeholders, from students to exam regulators.
Additionally, Dr. Alausa outlined the committee’s broader objectives, including eliminating exam leakages, reducing identity theft during exams, and improving supervision. He also emphasized the government’s dedication to funding education, with a strong focus on human capital development under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
As part of the reform, the Minister announced that new examination certificates will feature three key identifiers: candidates’ national identification numbers, their photos, and their birthdates. This move is aimed at ensuring the authenticity of exam results and preventing identity theft.
“This new system will make it almost impossible to falsify candidates’ identities,” Alausa said. “We must ensure that diligent students are not overshadowed by those who undermine the integrity of the examination system.”
In response, the Chairman of the newly formed committee, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, who is also the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), expressed gratitude to the government for entrusting him and the other members of the committee with the task. He assured the Minister that the committee would work efficiently and promptly to achieve the set goals.
By 2027, the Nigerian government hopes to have a fully digitized and transparent examination system, promoting fairness, quality, and security across the nation’s educational landscape.
