The Cross River State Teachers Continuous Training Institute (TCTI) in Biase, will collaborate with the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and other stakeholders to train blind students and their teachers in secondary schools and special schools, to ensure that they fully participate in WAEC’s upcoming transition from traditional paper-and-pencil exams to Computer-Based Testing (CBT).
Professor Taoheed Adedoja, Director-General of the Institute, made this known following a 2-day intensive residential training workshop for one hundred and fifty CBT examination officials in Cross River State.
Speaking on plans to provide inclusive CBT-based training for students with visual impairments and their teacher, Prof Adedoja underscored the need to empower blind students with digital skills. This initiative, according to the DG ensures that the students can participate fully and achieve their educational and career goals.
“By providing accessible training, the exercise seeks to bridge the gap and promote equal opportunities for blind students in the West African subregion. This approach aligns with global efforts to promote inclusive education, in conformity with the Nigeria Disability Act”, he said.
Professor Adedoja urged WAEC to take a cue from the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB), which has successfully administered the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) to blind students over the past eight years. This venture has promoted equal access to opportunities, demonstrating that with proper guidance and support, many blind students have the potential to excel in WAEC’s CBT examination
The TCTI Boss commended Governor Bassey Otu’s administration for providing ongoing refresher training to teachers, noting that by equipping blind students with essential computer skills, they can enhance their employability and compete on an equal footing in the job market. This training also enables them to take further assessments independently, without relying on readers or scribes, ultimately fostering independence.
It will be recalled that the Cross River State government owned TCTI, Biase is the first public institution in Nigeria to have transcribed a State Disability Law into braille for accessibility to blind persons which has received numerous commendations.
