Perception of Electronic Examination among Undergraduate Students of University of Maiduguri

The study was conducted to measure the perception of electronic examination among undergraduate students of University of Maiduguri. It was orchestrated on three specific objectives; to find out the perception of the students regarding the introduction of e-exam; to examine the perception of the students regarding e-exam as means of assessment; to examine the negative and positive perception of the students regarding the appropriateness of facilities, timing and format of question. The study employed the propositions of Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to explain students’ knowledge, acceptance and perception. The research used quantitative research method and survey methodology, using Questionnaire as instruments for data collection. The study purposely selected 200 students and found that majority of the students believe e-examination is better than the pen-paper examination. Majority of the students perceive electronic examination as an easy process. The study also found that the electronic examination is not suitable for every course to majority of the students. Majority of the respondents are against the format of the questions being asked via electronic examination. The study concluded that the introduction of e-examination in University of Maiduguri was a success despite having few challenges. The students perceived the new system as better means of assessment than pen-paper, even though they expressed dissatisfaction with the format of questions, examination timing and its suitability for some courses. It was recommended that the University of Maiduguri need to review the implementation of the new examination system in order to examine its suitability to all courses. Technical failures and limitation should be checked to improve effectiveness of the conduct of the examinations

Evaluation of Preparation and Outcome of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board Examinations Among First Year Medical Students in Rivers State

Background: In most countries of the world, entrance into tertiary institution is regulated by statutory examining councils / bodies, after passing recommended examinations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the determinants of success at the Nigerian University Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) among first year undergraduate medical students in Rivers State in the year 2022. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional analytical study was carried out among first year undergraduate medical students in four universities. Data was collated and analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Results: There were 219 (45.1%) males and 267 (54.9%) females, and their mean age was 19.45±2.80 years. Majority (n=372, 76.6%) of students prepared daily for at least 3-4 hours over at least 3 to 4 months (n=179, 36.8%) before passing their examinations. There were computer-related (134, 27.6%) and other issues. Only 257 (52.9%) students passed their UTME at first attempt. The number of UTME attempts reduces as average daily preparation hours increases; the higher the average daily examination preparation hours, the higher the chances of scoring above 200 in first attempt; the higher the number of months of active preparation, the lower the number of attempts at UTME; and these relationships were statistically significant (being p=0.000, p=0.009, and p=0.036 respectively). Conclusion: The determinants of success at the UTME of the JAMB among others are associated with students’ quality of input in preparing for the examinations. There are roles to be played at multiple levels to achieve needed improvement.&nbsp

The Challenges and Prospects of E-learning in National Open University of Nigeria

The study investigated the challenges and prospects of e-learning in National Open University of Nigeria. It sought to find out Attitudes of students towards e-learning. The study investigated the various challenges of e-learning in NOUN. Also the studies investigated prospects of e-learning, availability of e-learning facilities and also determine the ICT competence of NOUN students. The design of the study is a descriptive survey type. The sample for the study consisted of 250 students randomly selected from all the faculties in National Open University of Nigeria, Akure Study Center. 50 students were drawn from each faculty using simple random sampling technique giving a total of 250 students (respondents). A questionnaire titled “Challenges and Prospects of E-learning in National Open University of Nigeria” designed by the research was used to collect data. The instrument was validated by expert in Computer Science, Educational Technology and Test and Measurement. To ensure the reliability of the instrument, a Cronbach alpha statistics technique was employed and a reliability coefficient of 0.84 was obtained. This value is high enough for a study of this nature. The data collected were analyzed through the use of descriptive statistics such as frequency count, percentage and bar chart. The result of the findings showed that: NOUN students show positive attitude towards the use of e-learning. Majority of the respondents agreed that NOUN does not have enough e-learning equipment and facilities. There are challenges affecting the utilization of e-learning in NOUN for instructional purposes. The study also revealed that e-exam adopted by NOUN contributes to students' ICT competence and prospects of e-learning if fully implemented

Accessibility in Public Universities and Challenges of Tuition Fees in South-South Geo-Political Zone Nigeria

Increasing social awareness and economic value of higher education has contributed to the high demand for and access to university education in Nigeria. The expansionist policy intervention of government over the years in university education is often limited by inadequacy of state funding thereby justifying the introduction of tuition to augment the shortfalls in their financial plan. The analytical primary data collected provide the historical progression of accessibility, administrative methods adopted by universities, implications and remedies in Nigerian universities. Student organization representatives selected from six federal universities in South-South, Nigeria representing110 student executives sampled through mixed sampling technique of cluster and simple random. Internal consistency of the survey instrument was determined by using split half method and analyzed with Cronbach Alpha to obtain 0.78. Descriptive statistics was applied for the analysis and findings revealed that universities through tuition fees fund essential facilities and utilities that support teaching and learning as well as expand university access. However, non-involvement of student government by university management in negotiation of tuition and inappropriate communication has been identified as trigger of crises in universities. On the other hand, participative decision making practice should be entrenched as a lifestyle of university governance so as to bridge the information gaps and eliminate the outbreak of tuition-related crises of different proportion in universities. Technical Terms: University education, Accessibility, Tuition Fees, Governanc

The data chase : what's out there on trade costs and nontariff barriers ?

Trade costs and nontariff barriers are at the forefront of discussions on competitiveness and expanding trade opportunities for developing countries. This paper provides a summary overview of data and indicators relevant to these issues and has been informed by work underway at the World Bank on trade facilitation over the past several years to catalogue data sets and indicators. Although there has been progress in expanding data sets and developing policy-relevant indicators on trade costs and barriers, much more is needed. In order to assess progress toward achieving the Millennium Development Goals, evaluating the impact of development projects, and whether meeting Aid for Trade goals will be met, for example, a dedicated and expansive new effort to collect and assess data is needed. This paper attempts to highlight gaps in data on trade costs and provides insight into the type of new data that might be developed in the future.Transport Economics Policy&Planning,Economic Theory&Research,Trade Law,Free Trade,Trade Policy

ADOPTION OF BLENDED LEARNING INTO THE NIGERIAN EDUCATION SYSTEM: PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES

Technology-mediated learning is a generic term which encompasses different teaching and learning approaches that is supported by the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). Technology-mediated learning has in several ways contributed significantly to the advancement of education globally. The advantages it offers are being leverage on by governments and educational institutions world over to improve on the quality and quantity of education in the most efficient and cost effective way. One example of a technology-mediated learning is blended learning. Blended learning is defined as a teaching and learning approach that combines online learning and face-to-face instructions in the most effective way for optimal learning outcome. This paper discussed the meaning and benefits of blended learning and ways some of these advantages could be used to reduce the many challenges facing the Nigeria educational system. Reduced cost on expansion and maintenance of infrastructures, improved safety of lives and properties in schools, reduction in national illiteracy level are some of the identified prospects. While poor power supply, inadequate skilled man power, poor internet connectivity and corruption by government officials are among the identified challenges of adopting blended learning into the Nigerian educational sector. The paper recommended organisation of seminars/workshops/trainings, setting up of pilot study centres, collaboration with international institutions among others, as strategies that would enhance effective adoption of blended learning into the Nigeria education system

A Sociological Perspective on Pidgin\u27s Viability and Usefulness for Development in West Africa

This essay examines the viability and usefulness of pidgin for development in West Africa. Pidgin in West Africa has endured as a unifying medium of communication among people who do not share a common language. It has been lauded as a neutral language that facilitates trade, commerce, and everyday dealings among people of all walks of life. Some have proposed supplanting English, which is the official language in most of the West African countries where the use of pidgin is prevalent, with either pidgin or some other indigenous language. Contrarians, however, consider pidgin to be a limiting factor, in that, it is a barrier to speaking, reading, and writing standard English, and thus impedes upward mobility. They argue that projecting pidgin or some other indigenous language may create some political backlash, and strife among the people. Using qualitative analysis, we examine this debate from a sociological perspective