NGOs Collaborate to Enhance CBT Preparatory Programme for Students Nationwide

Two prominent non-governmental organizations, the Athena Center for Policy and Leadership and Educare, have joined forces to significantly enhance the Computer-Based Test (CBT) preparatory programme for secondary school students nationwide.

The collaborative effort, aimed at adequately preparing over 1 million students for examinations conducted by bodies like the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and the West African Examination Council (WAEC), seeks to boost performance in these national assessments.

The AUTHORITY reports that the JAMB annually conducts its Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) through the CBT format, while the WAEC has also adopted the model in recent exams like the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for private candidates.

Speaking during the launch event of the Athena/Educare Free Nationwide JAMB Preparatory CBT in Abuja, the Chancellor of the Athena Center, Chief Osita Chidoka, advocated for mainstreaming CBT into the school curriculum to improve students’ performance in the JAMB exams.

Chidoka emphasized the need to provide constructive digital platforms to help students excel in the CBT examinations and noted that digital skills are crucial for the country’s future development.

Further, the founder of Educare, Mr. Alex Onyia, highlighted the organization’s initiative in response to the high number of students who struggle with the CBT format, leading to poor performance in exams like JAMB.

Onyia stressed the importance of investing in platforms that enhance digital skills, which can ultimately contribute to providing Nigerian students with a quality education.

Remote remarks were also made by Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, who called for strong political will to expand CBT infrastructure in the country and urged stakeholders to support initiatives like this through funding and awareness campaigns.

Similarly, Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State, represented by his Special Adviser on Business and Innovation, Chinwe Okoli, emphasized the necessity of embracing digital skills in the education system and preparing students for future CBT exams.

The event, which featured insightful panel discussions, drew the virtual presence of Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, represented by Kaduna Commissioner for Education, Muhammed Sabi Bello.