TZ takes AEAA helm, pledges AI-smart reforms

ARUSHA: TANZANIA has assumed the presidency of the Association for Educational Assessment in Africa (AEAA), pledging to drive reforms in education assessment in response to the rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The country takes over the 2026–2027 term from outgoing AEAA President, Dr Eshetu Gichoro, following the close of the association’s 42nd Annual Conference in Arusha yesterday.

The new president, National Examinations Council of Tanzania (NECTA) Executive Secretary, Prof Said Mohamed, said Africa must safeguard students’ ability to think independently while harnessing AI to improve assessment systems.

“We want students to retain their ability to think. Whether they use AI or not, they must still think properly,” he said.

He noted that while the world has entered a new technological era, education systems must adapt without allowing technology to erode critical thinking.

Tracing human development from early subsistence stages through the industrial and ICT eras to the current AI age, Prof Mohamed stressed that technology should strengthen, not weaken, learners’ cognitive abilities.

He said applying AI in educational assessment is complex, requiring varied tools, approaches and infrastructure, and called on African countries to pool expertise instead of working in isolation.

“No single country can address all challenges alone. Sharing knowledge will benefit the entire AEAA community,” he said.

Prof Mohamed emphasised that AI should complement, not replace the human role in assessment, noting that professional judgement remains vital in understanding learners’ contexts.

“We are not entering the AI era to eliminate people. Technology should improve assessment, not replace human beings,” he said.

He also stressed the need for inclusive adoption of AI, warning that disparities in infrastructure, connectivity and access to devices could widen inequality among learners.

“It would be unfair for some students to benefit from AI while others are left behind,” he said, adding that learners with disabilities and special educational needs must be fully considered in digital systems.

“We must not leave anyone behind simply because of their circumstances,” he added.

Closing the conference on behalf of the Deputy Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Deputy Permanent Secretary Dr Hussein Omar urged African assessment bodies to embrace AI while strengthening cybersecurity, data protection and examination confidentiality.

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He said although AI and digital assessment present major opportunities, weak security and poor professional integrity could undermine public trust in examinations.

“Technology should assist the examiner, not replace them,” Dr Omar said.

He cited key challenges facing African countries, including examination security, AI integration, competencybased curricula and assessment of learners with special needs, calling for collective solutions. Dr Omar warned that efficiency gains from AI would be meaningless if confidential examination materials were compromised.

“As we embrace AI, we must also strengthen cybersecurity, data protection, professional ethics and institutional accountability,” he said.

He stressed that technology should be used to solve real problems, making examinations more reliable, inclusive and effective in improving learning, rather than being adopted simply because it is new.

“Ultimately, success depends on people—competent professionals, ethical institutions and responsible leadership,” he said.

Meanwhile, outgoing AEAA President Dr Gichoro called for harmonised assessment standards across Africa, warning that fragmented systems could undermine the continent’s Agenda 2063 ambitions.

“Educational assessment is the cornerstone of quality learning systems,” he said.

He urged countries to move beyond traditional examinations and develop systems capable of assessing 21st-century competencies, called for implementation of the Continental Assessment Framework, establishment of a continental data platform and stronger global partnerships.

For his part, AEAA Executive Secretary Dr David Njengere presented 11 resolutions adopted at the conference, including expanded use of digital feedback and evaluation systems to improve teaching, learning and institutional performance.

The resolutions also called for stronger collaboration between education institutions and industry to enhance curriculum relevance, practical assessment, technological literacy and workforce readiness.