ERC, WAEC SENSITIZE PRINCIPALS AND EXAMINATION OFFICERS ON CBT INTEGRATION

By: Odugbo Sarah

The FCT Education Resource Centre (ERC), the academic hub of the FCT Education Secretariat, in collaboration with the Zonal Office of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), FCT, has embarked on an intensive sensitization drive to prepare stakeholders for the migration from the traditional paper-and-pen WAEC examinations to the Computer-Based Test (CBT) system, in line with the Federal Government’s directive.

Speaking during the stakeholders’ briefing held at Government Girls Secondary School, Dutse, the Director, Education Resource Centre, Dr. Neemat Daud Abdulrahim, reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to implementing all academic policies of the government, including those related to the new curriculum.

She emphasized that the introduction of the new curriculum would be carried out with full awareness and understanding among all stakeholders in the education sector. Dr. Abdulrahim urged school managers to key into the implementation process, noting that the FCT Education Secretariat has long been at the forefront of promoting entrepreneurship and skills acquisition even before the launch of the new curriculum framework.

According to her, the ERC will ensure the strategic implementation of the new curriculum through capacity-building programs for teachers to enable effective classroom delivery. She also allayed the concerns of stakeholders about the new system, encouraging them to take advantage of the forthcoming training sessions.

Dr. Abdulrahim commended WAEC for initiating the sensitization exercise across all zones in the FCT, describing it as a laudable effort to keep stakeholders well-informed about the forthcoming transition from paper-based to computer-based examinations. She noted that proper registration and timely uploading of candidates’ appropriate details are key, and appealed for the establishment of adequate communication channels so that complaints can be eliminated and the entire process runs smoothly.

She also enjoined schools to fully cooperate with the ERC’s external examinations monitoring teams, particularly in private schools, and to continue supporting the FCT Education Secretariat’s zero tolerance policy on examination malpractice.

In his remarks, the Senior Deputy Registrar and Zonal Coordinator of WAEC, FCT, Mr. Kelezo Ambrose, explained that the briefing was organized to bring together principals and examination officers from all zones in the FCT ahead of the planned CBT integration for the 2026 Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE).

He stated that the purpose of the exercise was to ensure that stakeholders understood the technical requirements of the CBT process to prevent challenges during implementation. Mr. Ambrose further disclosed that WAEC has developed a feedback mechanism to promptly address concerns that may arise during the transition.

He added that existing CBT centres both school-owned and commercial ,will be leveraged to ensure a seamless conduct of the examinations. He assured participants that no student or school would be left behind as WAEC moves towards integrating technology into its examination system for enhanced efficiency and credibility.

Participants at the briefing expressed their readiness to support the CBT transition, emphasizing the need for continuous training and capacity building for teachers and examination officers.

In a related development, the Director, Education Resource Centre, Dr. Neemat Daud Abdulrahim, led her team on a consultative visit to the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) to discuss implementation strategies for the new curriculum and ensure a smooth transition process.

Speaking during the visit, Dr. Abdulrahim reiterated that the ERC serves as the academic hub of the FCT Administration and a key implementing body of its education policies. She noted that the visit was to seek further clarification and strengthen collaboration with NERDC in the rollout of the new curriculum.

She highlighted that the FCT Administration had already integrated entrepreneurship and skills acquisition programs into its teaching and learning process, which aligns with the objectives of the revised national curriculum.

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of NERDC, Prof. Salisu Shehu, commended the ERC for its proactive approach and visible contributions to educational development in the FCT. He reaffirmed NERDC’s commitment to continued collaboration with the FCT Education Secretariat, particularly in training key stakeholders and ensuring effective curriculum implementation across schools.

He noted that the new curriculum’s success depends on the collective efforts of all actors in the education sector and assured that NERDC will continue to provide the necessary technical support for a successful rollout.