The Great Ife Students’ Union of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife has announced the lifting of the previously declared state of emergency on the conduct of Computer-Based Tests (CBT) across the university.
The decision followed an urgent meeting held between the University Management and the Students’ Union leadership to address these issues raised by students over the condition of the ICT facilities and the general conduct of CBT examinations.
Previously, the Students’ Union declared a state of emergency on CBT due to low infrastructure, an inconducive environment for students’ exams, technical failures during tests, overcrowding, and health emergencies, including students losing consciousness.
According to the statement released on Thursday, February 5, CBT examinations and tests have resumed across the institution with the implementation of agreed-upon improvements. The management agreed to increase the number of functional computers in the ICT Centre from over seven hundred (700) to one thousand (1,000), alongside the expansion of CBT halls from two to three.
The statement also noted that the measures are expected to reduce overcrowding, improve the testing environment, and minimise the technical challenges previously experienced during examinations.
Beyond infrastructure improvements, the statement also addressed freshmen examinations. Examinations for newly admitted students are now expected to begin one month after the commencement of the lecture-free week, on March 9; however, the proposal still awaits final approval by the University Senate. The arrangement provides a period intended to allow for adequate preparation, considering recent access to courses on the e-portal.
The Students’ Union commended the University Management for its quick response and assured students that the situation would continue to be monitored to ensure full implementation of the promised improvements and acceptable CBT standards.