The Gambia’s Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) have discussed the possibility of introducing computer-based examinations to minimise malpractice and strengthen the credibility of public examinations.

The discussion took place during a meeting between the Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Habibatou Drammeh, and WAEC’s 14th Registrar, Amos Dangut.

According to a statement by the ministry’s communications unit, the meeting focused on strengthening examination integrity and accelerating reforms in teaching, learning and assessment.

Members of the WAEC Council and the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Louis  Mendy, also attended the meeting.

CBE to improve transparency, marking efficiency

The proposed computer-based examinations are expected to minimise examination malpractice, enhance transparency and improve the speed and efficiency of examination delivery and marking.

Ms Drammeh emphasised the need to move beyond traditional methods and integrate technology into classroom teaching and learning to improve student performance and expand opportunities for success.

She also commended the improvements recorded in the Grade 9 and Grade 12 examinations, urging stakeholders to sustain the gains through continued collaboration, accountability and innovation.

The ministry and WAEC reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening institutional cooperation to build a more transparent, effective and responsive education system.

They said the goal was to ensure that every Gambian child’s examination results reflected their hard work and merit.

The meeting ended with a shared resolve to pursue continuous improvement and ensure that public examinations in The Gambia remain credible, fair and future-ready.