Standardising Igbo Language Testing in the West African Examinations Council: Issues of Validity and Reliability

This study examines the issues of validity and reliability in the standardisation of Igbo language testing as conducted by the West African Examinations Council at the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination level in Nigeria. High-stakes language examinations serve as powerful arbiters of educational access and professional opportunity, making their psychometric rigour a matter of direct social equity concern. Despite the widespread administration of WAEC Igbo examinations, no published independent psychometric audit of the examination's validity and reliability properties has been conducted. The study analyses five years of Igbo examination past papers, marking schemes, and official item specifications using classical test theory frameworks, supplemented by interviews with six WAEC Igbo subject officers and eighteen Igbo language teachers with senior examination marking experience. Findings identify construct validity concerns in the paper three oral examination component, where test specifications inadequately differentiate tonal competence from general speaking fluency. Inter-rater reliability coefficients for oral marking are found to be below acceptable thresholds in documented moderation records. Multiple choice item analysis reveals several items with negative discrimination indices, suggesting flawed construct alignment. The study provides specific item revision recommendations and argues for the commissioning of a comprehensive Igbo examination standards review by WAEC. Keywords: Igbo language testing, WAEC, validity, reliability, standardisation.