Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has warned that the compulsory adoption of Computer-Based Testing for schools registering candidates for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination could undermine educational equity if poorly implemented.
Obi, who is seeking the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress ahead of the February 2027 election, spoke through a representative at the Feast of St. John Bosco Seminary and Parents–Teachers Day celebration in Isuaniocha, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
He expressed concern over a policy by the West African Examinations Council requiring schools to establish CBT centers before presenting candidates for the examination. Obi said many institutions, particularly in rural and underserved communities, may be unprepared for the transition.
While acknowledging that digital examinations align with global best practices, he questioned whether adequate infrastructure and funding were in place to support the shift.
“Schooling goes beyond examinations. It is about moulding character, instilling values and providing spiritual, moral and intellectual training,” Obi said.
He called for increased investment in education, including improved teacher welfare, upgraded infrastructure and learning environments that promote academic excellence and character development.
In response to the challenges posed by the transition, philanthropist Ignatius Aguowo, founder of the IG Aguowo Health and Academic Foundation, announced a donation of 26.29 million naira to upgrade the seminary’s Information and Communication Technology facilities and library.
Aguowo said the intervention would help position the institution to meet the demands of a fully digital examination system as WAEC moves toward a 100% CBT format.
He added that students from at least 18 states have benefited from his scholarship scheme, with no fewer than 48 seminarians receiving full scholarships in the past five years. Aguowo, an alumnus of the seminary, also pledged financial support for any indigent student aspiring to the priesthood.
He said he once trained at Savio Bosco Seminary in Akpu, Orumba South Local Government Area, with the hope of becoming a priest, and was anointed by then Bishop of Awka Diocese Albert Obiefuna. Circumstances prevented him from fulfilling that ambition, he said, prompting his commitment to supporting education and the priesthood.
