The 2023 presidential flagbearer of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi has cautioned against the compulsory adoption of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) by schools seeking to register candidates for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination, warning that the policy could undermine educational equity if poorly implemented.
Obi, who is seeking the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the February 2027 election, spoke through his representative at the Feast of St John Bosco Seminary and Parents–Teachers Day celebration held at Isuaniocha, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, at the weekend.
He expressed concern that the policy of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), which requires schools to establish CBT centres before presenting candidates, could take many institutions by surprise and ultimately defeat its intended objectives.
While acknowledging that the move toward digital examinations aligns with global best practices, Obi questioned whether most schools—particularly those in rural and underserved areas—were adequately equipped to implement the transition.
He called for increased funding of the education sector, stressing the need for improved teacher welfare, quality infrastructure and holistic learning environments that foster academic excellence, moral discipline and character development.
“Schooling goes beyond examinations. It is about moulding character, instilling values and providing spiritual, moral and intellectual training,” Obi said.
In a swift response to the challenge, the founder of the IG Aguowo Health and Academic Foundation (IGAHAF), Ignatius Aguowo, announced the donation of ₦26.29 million for the upgrade of the school’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) facilities and library.
According to Aguowo, the intervention was aimed at positioning the seminary to meet the demands of a fully digital examination system, as WAEC transitions to a 100 per cent CBT format.
He disclosed that students from at least 18 states of the federation had benefited from his scholarship scheme over the years, adding that no fewer than 48 seminarians—many of whom he has never met—had enjoyed full scholarships in the last five years.
The philanthropist, an alumnus of the seminary, further pledged to issue an open cheque to support any indigent student of the institution who aspires to become a Reverend Father.
Explaining his commitment to education and the priesthood, Aguowo said he once trained at Savio Bosco Seminary, Akpu, in Orumba South Local Government Area, with the hope of becoming a priest.
He recalled that although he was anointed by the then Bishop of Awka Diocese, Albert Obiefuna, circumstances prevented him from fulfilling the vocation, prompting him to dedicate his resources to supporting education, priesthood and the upliftment of humanity.
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