By Chioma James
The FCT Education Resource Centre (ERC), in the collaboration with the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), has initiated an intensive sensitization program aimed at preparing stakeholders for the shift from traditional paper-and-pen examinations to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for WAEC exams, as directed by the Federal Government.
The stakeholders’ briefing, held at Government Girls Secondary School, Dutse, brought 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).
Speaking at the briefing, ERC Director Dr. Neemat Daud Abdulrahim reaffirmed the centre’s dedication to implementing government academic policies, including the new curriculum, emphasizing awareness and understanding among stakeholders.
“The introduction of the new curriculum will be carried out with full awareness and understanding among all stakeholders in the education sector,” Dr. Abdulrahim stated.
The ERC plans strategic implementation of the new curriculum through capacity-building programs for teachers, ensuring effective classroom delivery.
Dr. Abdulrahim encouraged stakeholders to utilize forthcoming training sessions, alleviating concerns about the new CBT system.
“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,” she noted.
WAEC’s Senior Deputy Registrar, Mr. Kelezo Ambrose, explained the briefing aimed to familiarize stakeholders with CBT technical requirements, preventing implementation challenges.
WAEC has a feedback mechanism to address transition concerns promptly, leveraging existing CBT centres for seamless exams.
“No student or school will be left behind as WAEC moves towards integrating technology into its examination system for enhanced efficiency and credibility,” Mr. Ambrose assured.
Participants expressed readiness to support the CBT transition, emphasizing continuous training needs.
In a related development, Dr. Abdulrahim led a team to the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) to discuss new curriculum strategies.
NERDC’s Executive Secretary, Prof. Salisu Shehu, commended ERC’s approach and reaffirmed collaboration on curriculum rollout and stakeholder training.
“The new curriculum’s success depends on the collective efforts of all actors in the education sector,” Prof. Shehu stated.
NERDC will provide necessary technical support for a successful curriculum transition, Prof. Shehu assured.
The ERC and WAEC are working together to ensure a smooth transition to CBT, enhancing the efficiency and credibility of examinations in Nigeria.