The Africa Centre of Excellence on Technology Enhanced Learning (ACETEL) have administered its 2023/2024 first and second semester virtual examinations for students enrolled in its Masters and PhD programs. The examinations, which are being conducted online, cater to both regional and international students in the fields of Management Information Systems, Artificial Intelligence, and Cybersecurity.
The virtual exams, which commenced on 29th July, 2024, are scheduled to conclude on 10th August, 2024, marking a significant milestone in ACETEL’s ongoing efforts to deliver advanced education across Africa and beyond.
The Director, ACETEL, Professor Grace Jokthan, who led the Centre in achieving the milestone of graduating its pioneer students, is also working in similar direction, to graduate its second set of students,
“Our students are currently taking their examinations virtually, a testament to our commitment to digital learning,” Prof. Jokthan said during a brief conversation with the Centre’s Communications Officer.
This year, a total of 101 students participated in the examinations, including 96 regional students and 5 international students. This represents an increase in participation compared to the previous year, reflecting the growing interest and accessibility of ACETEL’s programs.
Prior to the commencement of the exams, a pre-examination orientation was conducted by the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN’s) Director of Examination and Assessment (DEA) Professor Olugbenga Ojo. The orientation was designed to ensure that all students were fully prepared for the virtual examination process.
In a report by ACETEL’s IT Officer, Mr. Abubakar Bello, he said “Students were briefed on the necessary requirements, including the types of computers suitable for the exam and the software and hardware specifications needed.
Bello emphasized the importance of the proctoring system in maintaining the integrity of the examinations. “Students were given detailed explanations of the proctoring system, including how it operates and what to expect during the exams. This is crucial for ensuring academic integrity and appropriate behavior throughout the process,” he said.
He further noted the robust security measures implemented to guarantee the fairness and integrity of the virtual examinations. These measures include a strict login timeframe, browser lockdown, randomized question pools, and activity logs. “These security measures collectively ensure that our virtual examinations uphold the highest academic standards,” he added.
Kadafa stated that given the different regions and time zones, no significant difficulties have been encountered, noting that “Our monitoring systems and well-coordinated exam schedules have ensured smooth and effective supervision across all locations,”
As ACETEL continues to innovate and expand its digital education system, the successful execution of these virtual examinations underscores its leadership in advancing technology-enhanced learning in Africa and on the global stage.
Loretta Edozie
Abuja