By Gloria Ogbonna
The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has strongly advocated for the cancellation of the proposed computer-based test (CBT) format in the upcoming West African Senior School Certificate Examinations across Nigeria.
Expressing concern, the forum highlighted the potential for widespread failure among students, particularly in rural regions of northern states where computer literacy remains scarce or non-existent.
In a statement released by the National President of AYCF, Yerima Shettima, the forum emphasized the need for flexibility in the examination format. Shettima asserted that making the CBT exams optional, allowing students to choose between the traditional pen-and-paper and computer-based methods, would have provided a fairer chance for students to attempt exams based on their comfort and competence levels.
AYCF's research in states like Zamfara, Jigawa, Taraba, Adamawa, Nasarawa, and Plateau revealed that the CBT exams consistently led to high failure rates among students attending public schools, mainly due to inadequate exposure to computer skills.
Shettima pointed out the challenges faced by underprivileged students in handling the CBT-based exams administered by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). He highlighted issues such as insufficient facilities, network failures, and a lack of proper computer skills, exacerbated by outdated and poorly maintained equipment at CBT centers.
The forum stressed the necessity of this appeal to prevent a potential surge in failure rates among deserving students and ensure equal opportunities for success.
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