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Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB Speaks on the Role of Computer Based Test, CBT in the Development of Public Examinations in Nigeria.
Public examination is a form of assessment by a central examining board to measure a candidate's knowledge or ability. In Nigeria and perhaps Africa, public examinations had been subjected to abuse by stakeholders – examination bodies, school administrators, students and parents – thereby corrupting the system and compromising the ideals of government and the society.However, recent events have revealed tremendous changes in approaches that have served to restore public confidence.
The search for a reliable assessment mode after the traumatic experiences with Paper and Pencil Test (PPT) hitherto used by the Board led to the adoption of the Computer-Based Test (CBT) from the University of Ilorin who had introduced the e-examination in Nigeria.
Many years back, the PPT method of assessment was the only available option for evaluation of candidates by the Board.
This format was jettisoned because it was characterized by different forms of examination malpractice.
Consequently, the Computer Based Test, was adopted partially by the Board in the 2013 UTME which was administered in a “dual mode” (combining paper and computer) and graduated to full-blown CBT in the 2015 UTME.
The Board believes that by offering its highly competitive examination electronically at approved testing centres, candidates, the Board and other stakeholders would continue to benefit from increased access and flexibility, streamlined logistics and opportunity for immediate grading among other benefits. The CBT being administered by the Board is a dynamic and indiviualized assessment tool designed in line with global best practices.
Perhaps, the most important reason for the adoption of CBT is its propensity for eliminating unwholesome practices.
The biometric verification of candidates to curb impersonation already in place has been strengthened with the recently-introduced CCTV camera at CBT centres as well as other innovations for the smooth running of this mode of examination.
The use of technology has, no doubt, yielded the desired results as it enables the Board to conduct credible large-scale examinations.
As a leading light in the conduct of public examinations globally, the Board has today contributed in no small measure to the standardization of public examinations in Nigeria through the provision of statistical data for research and planning in the educational sector.
As a result of all these, many organizations are now partnering with the Board with a view to achieving fairer assessment outcomes. Consequently, JAMB has become one of the most sought-after agencies in the conduct of third-party examinations in Nigeria.
The renewed interest in the Board to conduct thirdparty examinations for national and multinational companies is, however, not unexpected given the giant strides the Board has made in the area of ICT that has brought about improved service delivery
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