Examinations are an important tool in Nigeria for assessing a student's comprehension, expertise, and academic proficiency after a specific period of learning.
According to Nwoke, Osuji, and Agi (2017), examination plays a crucial role in determining an individual's understanding, knowledge, and academic capacity within a set timeframe.
However, there is growing concern about the legitimacy, authenticity, and reliability of examinations in Nigeria, particularly in the context of admitting eligible candidates to universities. The core issue is the need for greater transparency, accountability, and quality control in the examination process.
As a result, stakeholders must prioritize the implementation of measures that ensure fair, impartial, and standardized examination for all students. By doing so, Nigeria can continue to be a leader in education and produce competent, well-rounded graduates.
Computer-based test (CBT) was introduced in Nigeria to promote the development of Nigerian students and enhance the educational standard for all citizens seeking to improve themselves.
Nigeria lagged behind the Western world in terms of education quality, and examination bodies like the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) responded by using technology to improve the education sector.
By adopting the computer-based test (CBT) approach, Nigeria can align with global education trends and provide its citizens with access to high-quality learning opportunities. This move to technology-based learning not only keeps Nigeria on par with the rest of the world but also has the potential to transform the country's socio-economic status.
Essentially, the computer-based test (CBT) serves as a catalyst for improving Nigeria's education system and enhancing the well-being of its citizens.
Prior to the creation of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), universities in Nigeria used different methods to screen prospective students, leading to confusion and uncertainty about the admission criteria.
To address this, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) was established as a regulatory body to standardize the admission process across all Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) administers a unified tertiary matriculation examination (UTME), which is the basis for admission into these institutions. This has made the admission process more transparent and fairer for all applicants.
The establishment of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has had a positive impact on the Nigerian education system, ensuring that students are admitted based on the same standards and criteria.
The implementation of the computer-based test (CBT) system in Nigeria has proven to be an effective method of reducing examination malpractice. This system utilizes computer technology to conduct examinations and has been widely adopted by educational institutions throughout the country.
Computer-based test (CBT) is advantageous because it substantially decreases the possibility of exam misconduct. In paper-based examinations, students can easily cheat by bringing in unauthorized materials or copying from their classmates. CBT exams, on the other hand, are created to be extremely safe and tamper-proof, making cheating by students nearly impossible.
The use of computer-based test (CBT) offers a significant advantage in minimizing errors that may occur during grading and marking. Unlike traditional paper-based exams that are susceptible to human error in grading, CBT systems utilize automated processes that are reliable and precise.
The automated grading processes evaluate and analyze exam answers promptly, ensuring that students receive accurate grades based on their performance. Computer-based test (CBT) systems save time and eliminate discrepancies and inconsistencies that may arise during manual grading.
Therefore, computer-based test (CBT) systems ensure fairness and accuracy in assessing the performance of students.
The conventional paper-based test (PBT) in Nigeria has been beset with a plethora of examination malpractices, such as cheating, impersonation, question leakage, and inadequate examination materials. In response to these challenges, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) introduced the computer-based test (CBT) in Nigeria, which is a contemporary form of Information Communication Technology (ICT) that uses computers to administer tests and assessments.
Computer-based test (CBT) eradicates all forms of examination malpractices and irregularities associated with the Unified Tertiary Matriculation examinations, promoting the use of electronic testing in Nigeria.
The computer-based test (CBT) process involves electronically coding, assessing, and recording examinee responses, with prompt publication of results. By adopting computer-based test (CBT), Nigeria is keeping up with global trends in education and providing its citizens with access to high-quality learning opportunities.
Computer-Based Testing (CBT) offers greater efficiency in the administration of exams, as it eliminates the need for paper-based materials that can be expensive and time-consuming to produce and distribute.
Computer-based test (CBT) can be administered to multiple students simultaneously in a single testing center, saving space and reducing the need for additional testing centers. This benefits educational institutions by accommodating more students during exam periods.
The use of computer-based test (CBT) also saves time and resources and reduces the environmental impact of paper-based exams. Ultimately, computer-based test (CBT) significantly improves the efficiency and effectiveness of the testing process, which is beneficial for both students and educators.
Additionally, technology-based learning has the potential to revolutionize the country's socio-economic status, thereby enhancing the educational system in Nigeria and uplifting the overall well-being of its citizens.
In conclusion, the use of computer-based test (CBT) has positively impacted the integrity and reliability of exams in Nigeria. By reducing the prevalence of exam malpractice, computer-based test (CBT) has enhanced the precision of test results and ensured equitable evaluation of students based on their performance.
Additionally, the implementation of computer-based test (CBT) has streamlined the testing process, making it more efficient and cost-effective for educational institutions. This has led to increased accessibility to exams and decreased the burden on resources required for traditional paper-based exams.
Overall, the adoption of computer-based test (CBT) has significantly enhanced the quality of education in Nigeria, enabling students to receive a fair and accurate assessment of their academic abilities.
