Electronic Marking in Nigeria: Case Study of West African Examination Council (Waec)

With the introduction of various electronic learning methods, tools and online submission of students’ assignments, there is need for various examination bodies to embrace e- marking concepts and technology and to maximize the numerous benefits that it promises. In other to reduce the various challenges that are presently being faced by examiners ranging from insecurities, logistic issues and mishandling of students’ scripts amongst others, there is need for large examination bodies to educate their examiners on what e-marking entails and to encourage them into adopting this better and faster way of marking than the traditional manual method of marking examination scripts. This work explores the concept of e-marking, its benefits, and its gradual adoption by the West African Examination Body (WAEC). It also presents some challenges being faced in the adoption of e-marking and how cloud technology can help in reducing some of these challenges although not without its own risks. Finally, this review presents some useful suggestions that can assist in the better adoption of this technology by other examination bodies aside WAEC and how the Nigerian government can assist so that large national examination bodies can maximally take advantage that using e-marking has to offer. Recommendations were also given as there is need to build systems that can mark subjects that are rich symbolically and in content.