Using computer based test method for the conduct of examination in Nigeria: Prospects, challenges and strategies

Abstract

In Nigeria there had been a growing concern about the conduct, authenticity and reliability of examinations especially during the process of selecting qualified prospective candidates into Nigerian universities. It is in this regard that the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) introduced the computer-based testing (CBT) with the objective of eliminating all forms of examination malpractices and promote the use of electronic testing in Nigeria. This study therefore seeks to identify the prospects and challenges that will pose threats to the success of adopting CBT in all examinations and how to neutralise them. Secondary data notably textbooks, academic journals, conference papers, internet materials among others were primarily utilized. The study finds that the adoption of CBT in Nigeria faces ten critical challenges amongst this are economic factor, security, Software; Poor ICT culture, policy and implementation; and power failure. Therefore, the study identify educational presentation on CBT, public relation campaign, web campaign, post test feed-back, regular power supply, implementation of ICT policy etc as approaches to defuse the challenges.