Examination Bodies Must Reassess their Roles, Says Lesotho Minister of Education

The Honourable Minister of Education and Training, Kingdom of Lesotho, Professor Ntoi Rapapa has called on examination bodies in Africa to reassess their roles in the 21st century knowledge, skills and expertise economy.

He said the need for them to integrate technology into assessment combined with the broadening array of candidates has become imperative.

Rapapa who declared open the 36th annual conference of the Association for Educational Assessment in Africa (AEAA), held recently, in Maseru, Lesotho, said the assessment bodies have introduced new dimensions into their mandate.

The Conference, with the theme, ‘Reforming Educational Assessment: A Renewed Agenda’, which was attended by 325 delegates from 27 countries across the globe, witnessed the election of the Head of Nigeria National Office of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Mr. Olu Isaac Adenipekun, as Vice President for a one–year tenure.

He succeeds Dr. Litsabako Ntoi of the Examinations Council of Lesotho (ECOL).

The WAEC delegation to the conference was led by the Registrar to Council, Dr. Iyi Uwadiae.

The Association for Educational Assessment in Africa (AEAA) is a non-profit making organisation established in 1982 to promote cooperation amongst examining and assessment bodies in Africa; to encourage relevant examining and assessment among members, sponsor international participation in the field of educational testing and examination; commission and coordinate research projects; improve assessment, testing and exam- ining within the individual member countries through the activities of the association among others.

It is affiliated to the International Association of Educational Assessment (IAEA).

During the closing ceremony, the baton for the hosting of the 37th annual AEAA conference was handed to WAEC Nigeria.

In his acceptance speech, the Head of National Office of WAEC in Nigeria, Mr. Olu Isaac Adenipekun, informed delegates that the 37th Annual AEAA Conference with the theme: ‘Innovations in Educational Assessment’, will be hosted by the council at the Ladi Kwali Conference Centre, Sheraton Abuja Hotel, Abuja from August 5th to 9th, 2019.

He said adequate efforts are being made to ensure a successful hosting of the conference.