The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYFC) has rejected the proposed computer-based test format in the forthcoming West African Examinations Council examinations to be conducted in the country.

Disclosing this in a statement in Kaduna on Friday, the national president of the youth forum, Yerima Shettima, stated that adopting such a mode for the exam will lead to mass failure for students, especially in rural areas where computer skills are scarce or absent.

Recall that the acting head of the public affairs unit of WAEC, Moyosola Adesina, had, in a statement, announced the ditching of the paper and pencil test model for the CBT mode for the conduct of the Senior School Certificate Examination, which, according to her, was in line with global best practices.

Expressing his dissatisfaction, Mr Shettima said the CBT exams should have been made optional, which according to him, would have provided students the opportunity to choose the format they are most comfortable with and capable of attempting successfully.

He claimed that the research conducted by the forum in selected northern states such as Zamfara, Jigawa, Taraba, Adamawa, Nasarawa, and Plateau, revealed that the CBT exams consistently led to misleading failure rates among students attending public schools, where computer skills were often not taught.

Mr Shettima said, “Even the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board – CBT exam has placed underprivileged students in a predicament as they struggle to answer questions in an unfamiliar format.

“Many students who failed the CBT-based JAMB exams last year argued that their failures were a result of systemic failures, including insufficient facilities or network failures during the exams.

“Additionally, a lack of proper and adequate computer skills, coupled with outdated desktop computers that are not properly maintained by CBT centres, further exacerbated the situation.

“As the exams are timed, these delays significantly hinder the performance of students who otherwise possess sufficient knowledge of the content,” he lamented.

The forum, therefore, called on the ministry of education, Jama’atu Nasril Islam, Christian Association of Nigeria, National Association of Nigerian Students and other relevant civil society organisations to reject the planned CBT exams.

“The AYCF remains committed to promoting quality education, equitable examination processes, and the overall advancement of education in Nigeria. We stand ready to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to find suitable alternatives that ensure a level playing field for all students,” he concluded.