Ibadan, Oyo State – As the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) increasingly adopts Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for its examinations, concerns are growing over the readiness of public school students in Oyo State to adapt to Oyo State’s Computer-Based Testing (CBT) directives. In a bid to shed light on this pressing issue, we have obtained an open letter addressed to Governor Seyi Makinde, penned by Akinrinade Damilola Emmanuel, a dedicated teacher and student coach.
The letter, titled _Urgent Concern on CBT Readiness of Public School Students for WAEC Examinations_, highlights the stark reality facing public school students in Oyo State. According to Emmanuel, many students are being pushed toward a system for which they are neither technically nor psychologically prepared.
“The lack of effective Local Government autonomy continues to weaken grassroots educational development. Most public schools operate without functional ICT infrastructure, stable electricity, or CBT laboratories,” Emmanuel wrote. “This situation places public school students at a significant disadvantage when compared with their counterparts in private schools, who often have access to better resources and more exposure to technology.”
Emmanuel posed critical questions, seeking answers on the preparedness of public school students for CBT examinations, the availability of functional CBT laboratories, and the training of teachers to prepare students for CBT environments.
The educator emphasized that the CBT format itself has become a barrier for many students, not due to lack of intelligence, but due to lack of exposure. “This reality threatens fairness, equity, and the credibility of the examination process,” he noted.
To address these concerns, Emmanuel called on the Oyo State government to conduct a statewide audit of CBT readiness, establish functional CBT centers in public schools, provide regular student practice sessions, and train teachers to prepare students for CBT environments.
“We trust in your leadership and your commitment to inclusive development, and we strongly urge decisive intervention to protect the academic future of Oyo State students,” Emmanuel appealed to Governor Makinde.
The open letter has sparked concerns among education stakeholders and parents, who are urging the government to take decisive action to address the issue and ensure that Oyo State’s students are not left behind in the digital age.
In an interview, Emmanuel reiterated the need for urgent action, stating, “The future of our public school students must not be compromised by infrastructural neglect. Education should be an equalizer, not a divider.”
The Oyo State government has yet to respond to the concerns raised in the letter, but education stakeholders are hopeful that the government will take swift action to address the issue.
As the state prepares for the upcoming WAEC examinations, the call to bridge the CBT gap has become a pressing concern that requires immediate attention.
We will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
*OPEN LETTER TO OYO STATE GOVERNOR, ENGR SEYI MAKINDE*
_Urgent Concern on CBT Readiness of Public School Students for WAEC Examinations_
His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, FNSE
Executive Governor, Oyo State
Oyo State Government Secretariat
Ibadan, Oyo State
Your Excellency,
*URGENT CONCERN ON CBT READINESS OF PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS FOR WAEC EXAMINATIONS*
I write to you not only as a teacher but as a deeply concerned education stakeholder who works closely with public school students on a daily basis. As the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) increasingly adopts Computer-Based Testing (CBT), the preparedness of public school students in Oyo State remains a serious concern. The reality on ground suggests that many students are being pushed toward a system for which they are neither technically nor psychologically prepared.
The lack of effective Local Government autonomy continues to weaken grassroots educational development. Most public schools operate without functional ICT infrastructure, stable electricity, or CBT laboratories. This situation places public school students at a significant disadvantage when compared with their counterparts in private schools.
These pressing questions demand urgent answers:
– How prepared are our public school students—academically and psychologically—for CBT examinations?
– Do public secondary schools across all Local Government Areas have functional and accessible CBT laboratories?
– What structured exposure and practice opportunities are available to students before high-stakes examinations like WAEC?
– Are teachers adequately trained and equipped to prepare students for CBT environments?
For many students, the CBT format itself becomes a barrier, not due to lack of intelligence but due to lack of exposure. This reality threatens fairness, equity, and the credibility of the examination process.
Your Excellency, this matter requires immediate policy action. A statewide audit of CBT readiness, establishment of functional CBT centers in public schools, regular student practice sessions, and continuous teacher training are no longer optional—they are urgent necessities. The future of our public school students must not be compromised by infrastructural neglect.
Furthermore, I urge consideration for initiatives that bridge the digital divide, such as partnerships with private sector stakeholders to provide ICT resources, subsidized internet access for schools, and community-based digital literacy programs. These steps can create a more level playing field and ensure that Oyo State’s students are not left behind in the digital age.
Education should be an equalizer, not a divider. We trust in your leadership and your commitment to inclusive development, and we strongly urge decisive intervention to protect the academic future of Oyo State students.
I thank you for your attention to this critical matter and look forward to seeing proactive measures that will uplift our public education system.
Yours sincerely,
Akinrinade Damilola Emmanuel
Teacher, Student Coach
Lead Consultant, Emarow Educational Consult
(09037721174, 08158161848) (Ed), ITQM, IOM, SLM, GDDEA, RBCM (Royal Sky Media), LPMVGEA
