The Ebonyi State government has announced plans to commence intensive training for senior secondary school students in computer operations and Information and Communication Technology (ICT), in preparation for the 2026 Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE), which will adopt a Computer-Based Testing (CBT) format.
This was disclosed by the State Commissioner for Primary and Secondary Education, Professor Paul Nwobashi, during a chat with journalists on Tuesday in Abakaliki.
Professor Nwobashi said the move is a proactive response to directives from examination bodies, including the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO), who have indicated their intent to fully transition to CBT in 2026.
“We need to do a lot in tutoring our SSCE students on how to handle keyboarding, keying in, logging in and out, and other basic digital skills. A person having a phone doesn’t mean they can operate a computer. They must be trained," he said.
The Commissioner noted that the initiative is essential following the mass failure recorded in the recent JAMB CBT exams, which he attributed in part to poor computer literacy among candidates. According to him, the new plan aims to correct this deficiency ahead of the 2026 examinations.
“We're targeting all SS3 students across the state. It doesn't require much. We already have many people with laptops and ICT knowledge who can be deployed to schools. The idea is to organize short, intensive training sessions—just two weeks is enough,” the Commissioner added.
Professor Nwobashi commended Governor Francis Nwifuru for placing education at the top of his administration’s agenda, highlighting the unprecedented 22.7% budgetary allocation to the sector, an achievement he said sets Ebonyi apart in the Southeast region.
“In previous administrations, we saw some improvements, but they were not focused enough on education. Today, the difference is clear. Teachers are back in the classrooms, learning is taking place peacefully, and our supervision has been stepped up,” he explained.
He further stated that the calm and discipline now prevailing in schools is a result of the government’s firm policies and regular monitoring. “We do not allow students to roam during school hours. The curriculum is strictly followed, and the relationship between the ministry, teachers, and school heads is harmonious,” he added.
On how the state intends to prepare students for the digital transition, the Commissioner expressed confidence in the adaptability of young learners.
“You introduce anything digital to these young ones, they catch it quickly. Even a child of three years can show you how to operate a smart TV. So, a little exposure—two weeks of focused training is enough to get them ready,” he said.
To parents and candidates who might have struggled in previous CBT-based exams, Professor Nwobashi advised resilience and encouraged them to prepare for a better performance in future attempts.
“The only remedy to failure is a resit. This is not a carryover; it’s a reset. Go and retake it. With the right preparation and support, they’ll do better next time,” he concluded.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to equipping students with modern learning tools and skills, noting that this digital shift in assessment is a welcome development that will ultimately enhance the quality of education in the state.
