In a significant development, Northern youths have vehemently opposed the proposed transition of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to a Computer-Based Testing (CBT) system, demanding a return to the traditional pencil-and-paper tests. The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has expressed strong discontent, urging the immediate cancellation of the CBT plans, citing potential challenges faced by students, especially in rural areas, due to limited computer skills.
The National President of AYCF, Yerima Shettima, issued a statement outlining the forum’s concerns and proposing an alternative approach. AYCF advocates for making CBT optional, allowing students to choose between the digital format and the conventional method. Shettima emphasized the need for a comprehensive examination system that accommodates diverse student capabilities and backgrounds.
AYCF conducted research in several Northern states, including Zamfara, Jigawa, and Taraba, revealing consistent lower pass rates in public schools, particularly those lacking proper computer education, when CBT is introduced. The forum argued that underprivileged students face challenges with the unfamiliar CBT format, struggling with insufficient facilities, network failures, and outdated computers maintained by CBT centers.
Calling on key stakeholders, such as the Ministry of Education, Jama’atu Nasril Islam, Christian Association of Nigeria, National Association of Nigerian Students, and other Civil Society Organizations, Shettima urged collective action to reject the planned CBT exams. AYCF remains committed to promoting quality education and advocating for suitable alternatives to ensure a level playing field for all students in Nigeria.
