Abstract:

Examinations especially in tertiary institutions in Nigeria have been surrounded with a lot of stories of leakages, bribe taking by invigilators and supervisors, delayed and omitted results. This menace has resulted in a general decline in the standard of education and has also frustrated many students. The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is a single mode institution that operates through the open and distance learning method. In June 2010 the university took a bold step by conducting the first ever e-examinations (e-exams) for students in Nigeria. The examination was conducted in all the 44 study centres across the country, in all the courses being offered by the students. This feat was repeated in March and September 2011. The objective of this study is to find out the challenges encountered by the administrators of the e-examinations and also by the students. It also goes further to examine the prospects of the university continuing with the e-examinations. Four different forms of questionnaires were used for data collection. The programme leaders, course coordinators, (academic staff) study centre directors, and the students constituted the population for the study. 1000 students were selected by stratified random sampling from the 44 study centres in the country. 22 study centre directors and 30 programme leaders and course coordinators also responded to their specific questionnaires. Frequencies and percentages were used to analyse the data. The result of the study will improve the administration of e-examinations at the National Open University of Nigeria and also enhance the chances of extending it to other universities in the country.

Keywords:

E-examination, National Open University of Nigeria.