The West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Nigeria, unveiled the outcomes of the inaugural Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for Private Candidates, 2024–First Series, on Friday.
In a press release shared with PUNCH Online, the council disclosed its transition from traditional paper-based examinations to Computer-Based Examinations for private candidates. The Computer-Based WASSCE (CB-WASSCE) introduced a hybrid approach where all questions were displayed on computers.
Multiple-choice answers were submitted in real-time on the computer, while responses to essay and practical questions were provided in booklets issued to candidates.
The examination took place from Wednesday, January 31 to Saturday, February 17, 2024.
Analysis of candidate performance revealed that out of the 8,139 candidates who participated, 3,424 individuals, constituting 42.07 per cent, achieved credit and above in a minimum of five subjects, with or without English Language and/or Mathematics.
Additionally, 2,519 candidates, representing 30.95 per cent, attained credit and above in a minimum of five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.
Marking and coordination of candidates’ scripts occurred at three venues in Lagos, Enugu, and Kaduna from March 1 to 16, 2024. A total of 459 examiners were involved in the coordination and marking exercise.
Compared to the 2023 entry figure of 8,738, the entry figure for 2024 witnessed a 4.30 per cent decline, with 8,362 candidates registered. The examination was conducted across 140 CBT centers nationwide.
Among the candidates, 21 individuals with various special needs were registered, including nine visually challenged, two with impaired hearing, and two albinos. The statement assured that all candidates with special needs received appropriate accommodations during the examination administration.
