How external examinations are conducted in Nigeria
External examinations in Nigeria are conducted by various examination bodies, such as the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), National Examinations Council (NECO), and Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). Here's an explanation of how these examinations are conducted:
1. Registration: Students who intend to take these external examinations must first register for the exams. The registration usually takes place within a specified period, and candidates may need to provide relevant personal information and pay the examination fees.
2. Examination Timetable: Once the registration period ends, the examination bodies release a timetable detailing the schedule of exams for different subjects. The timetable helps students prepare and plan accordingly.
3. Examination Centers: Examination centers are designated venues where candidates sit for the exams. These centers are usually schools or other educational institutions that have been approved by the examination bodies. Each candidate is allocated to a specific center based on their proximity or preference during registration.
4. Admit Cards: Before the exams, candidates receive admit cards, which serve as identification documents for entry to the examination centers. Admit cards contain personal information about each candidate, including their name, photograph, and examination details.
5. Invigilation: On the day of the examination, invigilators, who are appointed by the examination bodies, oversee the conduct of the exams. They ensure that the examination guidelines are followed strictly and prevent any form of malpractice or cheating.
6. Exam Format: The external examinations in Nigeria typically consist of written papers administered over several days. The format of the exams varies depending on the subject and examination body. Multiple-choice questions, essay questions, or a combination of both may be included.
7. Assessment and Grading: After the exams, the answer scripts are collected, securely stored, and sent to the respective examination bodies for grading. Highly experienced examiners evaluate the scripts and award marks based on predefined marking schemes. The grading process may take several weeks or months, depending on the volume of scripts.
8. Results: Once the grading process is completed, the examination bodies release the results. Candidates can check their results using their examination details, such as registration numbers or examination numbers. Results are usually made available online or through designated centers.
It is important to note that each examination body has its own specifications and guidelines for conducting external exams, but the general process outlined above provides an overview of how external examinations are conducted in Nigeria.