Computer-based test known as CBT was introduced by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to conduct UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination) in 2013 but was not made compulsory until March, 2015.
In the past, the method used to conduct UTME was known as PPT (paper-pencil Test). That method was analogue and characterized with lots problems especially with high rate of examination malpractice which was resulting in frequent cancellation of results by Jamb. In order to return sanity to JAMB, CBT was made compulsory so as to curb examination malpractice that almost defeated the purpose or essence of establishing JAMB. As at that time, JAMB was almost at the edge of losing her credibility and competence, hence the urgent need for a complete transition from paper-based test (PPT) to a computer-based test (CBT).
Apart from eradication of examination malpractice, JAMB believed that innovation in technology was sweeping through everything we do. Therefore, candidates must apply themselves to the use of information and communication technology.
As a school, we reasoned in line of the above, we discovered that we are in the computer age and any school that does not want to be left behind at this era of technological advancement must transit from PPT to CBT which is becoming a must and widely acceptable method or system.
ADVANTAGES OF CBT OVER PPT
There are many advantages of CBT over PPT which include the following:
a) COST: The cost of conducting examination in CBT is far cheaper in comparison to PPT.
b) FRAUDULENT MALPRACTICE: It has helped to reduce examination malpractices and leakage of question papers.
c) ACCURACY OF RESULTS: It has also led to accurate consistent and reliability of results. This means the result can be gotten or accessed instantly
d) NO PARTIALITY: There is improvement in impartiality because the machine doesn’t know the students, the system doesn’t favor or make allowances for minor errors. However, despite it’s numerous advantages, adoption of CBT over PPT poses some limitations and challenges to the users such as:
a) Economic factor.
b) Poor ICT culture.
c) Policy and implementation and
d) Power supply.
e) Lack of basic knowledge in information technology on the part of the students and teachers especially in remote areas, is still a very big challenge to CBT users in Nigeria.
At Ade-Ola International School, the thought of establishing a CBT center started in 2015 when majority of our SS3 student then opted for PPT instead of CBT because, they lacked basic digital literary skill to handle computers coupled with the fact that our ICT department then was not functioning well.
We therefore decided at the management level to quickly work on our ICT department so that our students can learn and have very good grades in their UTME. To achieve this, we were able to network the computers we had then and introduced the jamb software which helped our students to practice for their UTME. That step we took also helped the next set of our students during their UTME because their UTME result started improving and students from other schools started coming to our school for UTME lesson. The new development brought more popularity to our school within our vicinity and also increased our income. As a result of these we decided to expand our facility especially the ICT department but couldn’t on time for lack of finance. In 2018, the project was revisited and we were seriously believing God to help us actualize the dream.
The establishment of CBT in our school became paramount when we were preparing for our 20th anniversary in September 2019; Titled “celebrating God’s Faithfulness, Grace and Sustainability”. We felt after 20 years of operating as stake holders in educational sector, we should be able to get approval for the CBT Centre.
The Centre was approved on 10th of December 2019 after meeting the jamb CBT accreditation requirements.
This was really a dream come true and was assumed a gift from God to mark our 20th anniversary celebration.
Our first participation in UTME was in march 2020 and since then it has been a very wonderful experience with JAMB. To the glory of God our CBT Centre had been used three times consecutively by JAMB for UTME since approval.
Ade-Ola int’l school CBT Centre has 250 capacity hall in a welcoming and serene environment with 275 functional computer systems, with 18 by 18 individual cubicle for each student. The systems are connected to a very strong sever capable of carrying 250 systems simultaneously. The systems are linked together with cable LAN. We have 11 CCTV cameras installed in and outside the hall. We also have 60 and 100 KVA sound proof generators to power the Centre. There is installation of 10 Air conditioners and 14 fans to aid the cooling system in the hall. Students conveniences/toilets are enclosed inside the hall and the Centre also have a decent and spacious well-ventilated holding room to it’s credit.
On behalf of the management of Ade-Ola International School CBT Centre, I wish to commend the efforts of professor Ishaq Oloyede for his hard work and dedication for piloting the affairs of JAMB and for transforming JAMB to a renowned educational body to be identified with and where examination malpractices are totally frowned at. We thank him for giving us the opportunity to operate a CBT Centre.
I also appreciate all the JAMB staff especially the monitoring and accreditation team for their effectiveness, discipline and for not compromising the standard of accreditation process irrespective of your status in the society.
To all my fellow CBT owners, I wish to encourage everyone to continue to do their best and pray for more grace and wisdom to succeed and overcome every challenge.
I thank all our parents for their supports and being part of our success story.
CONCLUSION:
In conclusion Ade-Ola international school CBT is rated among the best in FCT based on users’ comments and assessments. I hereby encourage students to visit our Centre for their admission related issues assigned to accredited centers by JAMB where they will be attended to by our charming, dedicated and diligent staff. However, we are not going to rest on our oars as we continue to improve on our faculties and our services as approved by jamb. We will ensure 100% compliance to rules and regulations and policies of the body and continue to work hard until we are rated among the top CBT centers in Nigeria.
Thanks, and god bless.
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