The National Examinations Council (NECO) has indicated that it may require some time before fully adopting computer-based tests (CBT) for its examinations, citing the complexities involved in the migration process.
The Registrar of NECO, Prof. Ibrahim Wushishi, made this statement during a media interaction with journalists in Abuja.
Addressing the challenges associated with transitioning from traditional paper-based exams to CBT, Prof. Wushishi highlighted the intricacies of NECO’s examination system, particularly for the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE), which serves as a gateway for admission into tertiary institutions.
“NECO is the largest examination body, examining close to 1.5 million candidates annually in 76 different subjects and over 150 different papers,” he explained. “Given the complexity of these exams, particularly the essay sections, migrating to CBT requires careful consideration and planning.”
While acknowledging the potential benefits of CBT, Prof. Wushishi emphasized the need for experts to thoroughly assess the feasibility of transitioning gradually. He suggested starting with areas of the examination that are conducive to CBT, such as the common entrance examination, which typically features multiple-choice questions.
Prof. Wushishi also disclosed that NECO has examined approximately 34 million Nigerian youths to date and has conducted trial testing exams to evaluate the suitability of CBT for its examinations.
The remarks from NECO’s registrar underscore the organization’s cautious approach towards modernizing its examination process, prioritizing thorough evaluation and gradual implementation to ensure a smooth transition without compromising the integrity and effectiveness of its assessments.
