Navigating Student Perspectives on the Usefulness of Computer- Based Testing in Nigeria’s Education System
Abstract
This study investigates students’ perceptions of the usefulness of computer-based tests in Nigeria and further explores the challenges students face during computer-based examinations. The population of the study comprised 1,553 year-one undergraduate students. A purposive and proportional sampling technique was employed to select 306 students from four universities in Kebbi State and Sokoto. This sampling approach was adopted due to time constraints, cost of data collection, and prevailing security challenges in the country. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the collected data, revealing significant insights into students’ perceptions of CBT usefulness. The findings indicated a positive disposition among students toward CBTs, suggesting increasing acceptance and readiness to engage with technology-enhanced assessment methods. Students generally rated the perceived usefulness of CBTs positively, reflecting an overall favorable attitude toward this mode of assessment. Conversely, key challenges identified included inadequate computer literacy, unfamiliarity with CBT formats, and anxiety related to computer usage. The study recommends that universities invest in robust IT infrastructure, develop and offer training sessions to enhance students’ computer literacy and familiarity with CBTs, and establish dedicated technical support teams to assist students during examinations. These measures can enhance the effectiveness and acceptance of CBTs within educational institutions.
Keywords
Student’s perceptionusefulnessComputer based testchallenges
References
Abdulkareem, Z., & Lennon, M. (2023). Impact of digital divide on students' performance in computerised UTME in Nigeria. Education and Information Technologies, 41(4). Adepoju O. (2016). Challenges encountered in Standard Deviation the first general computer based test. PJERE , volume 1 , issue 1 , p. 1 - 13 Posted: 2016Adeyanju and Kazeem (2018) Adeyanju, O. L., & Adeshina, K. (2018). Students' perceptions of computer-based test in Nigerian universities. University of Ibadan Journal of Library and Information Science, 1(1), 1–15. Alabi, A. T., Issa, A. O., & Oyekunle, R. A. (2012). The Use of Computer Based Testing Method for the Conduct of Examinations at the University of Ilorin. International Journal of Learning & Development, 2(3), 68–80. doi:10.5296/ijld.v2i3.1775. Balogun, A. G., & Olanrewaju, A. S. (2016). Role of computer self-efficacy and gender in computer-based test anxiety among undergraduates in Nigeria. Psychological Thought, 9(1), 58–66. Bawa Nura and Bashar Maryam (2022). Students’ Perceptions of the Use of CBT for the Conduct of General Studies Examinations in Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. International Journal of Social Science and Human Research ISSN : 2644-0679, ISSN : 2644 -0695 Volume 05. Boughton, K. A., & Kim, S. (2007). Examining differences in examinee performance in paper and pencil and computerized testing. Journal of Technology, Learning, and Assessment, 6(3), 1–32. Bello, S. B., Samaila, K., Bashar, A., & Sani, M. A. (2023). An empirical investigation of computer literacy among students of College of Health Sciences and Technology in Kebbi State. Journal of Mathematical Sciences & Computational Mathematics, 4(3), 311–322. Boevé AJ, Meijer RR, Albers CJ, Beetsma Y, Bosker RJ (2015) Introducing Computer-Based Testing in High-Stakes Examination in Higher Education: Results of a Field Experiment. Brown, G.T.L. (2022). The past, present and future of educational assessment: A transdisciplinary perspective. Frontiers in Education, 7,1060633. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2022.1060633 Bugbee, A. C. (1996). The equivalence of paper-and-pencil and computer-based testing. Journal of Research on Computing in Education, 28(3), 282–299. Chijioke Anthony Azodo (2024). Students’ Perception in the Use of Computer-Based Assessment (C.B.A) in General Courses (G.S) in Colleges of Education in South East; A Case Study of Anambra and Imo. International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, Vol 5, no 2, pp 682-691 February 2024 Dammas, A. H. “Investigating students’ attitudes toward computer based test at chemistry course”, Archives of Business Research. 4(6), (2016) Ezeugo, N. C., & Nwankwo, I. R. (2025). Digital literacy and test anxiety as predictors of students' satisfaction with computer-based examinations in tertiary institutions in Anambra State, Nigeria. Journal of Theoretical and Empirical Studies in Education, 10(1). Israel, C. E., Ugwu, A. O., Madu, O. T., Chikeme, P. C., Omotola, N. J., & Attah, C. A. (2024). Perceived challenges and improvement strategies for computer-based test in the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria final examination at a university in South Eastern Nigeria. BMC Medical Education, 24, 1388. Jimoh, R.G., Abduljaleel, K.S., & Olorundare, A.S. (2012). Computer Based Test System for University Academic Enterprise Examination. International Journal of Scientific & Technology research, 1(8), 55-59. IJEE IJEE www.ijee.io Kehinde Kadijat Kadiri, Adetola Kehinde, Halimah Odunayo Amuda and Nafisa Rabiu (2019) University of Ilorin undergraduate students’ perceptions of the usefulness and challenges regarding computer-based testing Vol. 37, No. 4. Masood, M., Samaila, K., & Chau, K. T. (2022). Application of SQQ-based flipped classroom model on students’ achievement and engagement in ICT Course. Mediterranean Journal of Social & Behavioral Research, 6(1), 21–26. https://doi.org/10.30935/mjosbr/11527 Nworgu, B.G. (2016), Educational Research, Basic Issues and Methodology (2nd Edition). Enugu, University Trust Publisher Nsukka. Okocha, F. (2022). Student perception of computer-based testing in Kwara State, Nigeria. International Journal of Web-Based Learning and Teaching Technologies, 17(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.4018/IJWLTT.294575 Oladimeji, O. F., Akinoso, S. O., Omotunde, C., & Annenne, V. (2017). Students' perceptions of computer-based test in Nigerian universities. Nigerian Journal of Educational Technology, 1(2), 117–131. Olafare Festus Oladimeji, Sabainah Oyebola Akinoso, Christopher Tayo Omotunde, & Vivian Egwuatu (2017). Students’ Perceptions of Computer-Based Test in Nigeria Universities. Nigerian Journal of Educational Technology, Puhan, G., Samaila, K., Al-Samarraie, H., Tsong, C. K., & Alzahrani, A. I. (2024). A new guided flipped learning model for lifelong learning. Interactive Learning Environments, 1(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2024.2412063 Samaila, K., Dauda, S., Aliyu, M., & Ahmad, A. A. (2021). Application of ICTs and Educational Software in Teaching Physics : Advantages , Challenges and Proposed Solutions. International Journal of Research and Review, 8(January), 293–304. Samaila, K., Masood, M., & Chau, K. T. (2021). Using Flipped Classroom Model: Factors Influencing Students’ Satisfaction. European Journal of Interactive Multimedia and Education, 2(2), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.30935/ejimed/11260 Samaila, K., Tsong, C. K., Masood, M., & Barvell, B. (2024). Think-pair-share based flipped classroom : a model for improving students ’ learning achievement and self-efficacy. Journal of Digital Educational Technology, 4(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.30935/jdet/14422 Samaila, K., Khambari, M. N. M., Kumar, J. A., & Masood, M. (2022). Factors influencing postgraduate students’ intention to use learning management system. Tuning Journal for Higher Education, 9(2), 151–176. https://doi.org/10.18543/tjhe.2177 Sani, Y. G., Samaila, K. J., Dahiru, A. S., Abubakar, A. A., & Sani, A. (2016). The Use of Information and Communication Technology ( ICT ) by Lecturers in North-Western Nigeria. Computer Engineering and Intelligent System, 7(8), 1–6. Sung, Y. T., Chang, K. E., & Yang, J. M. (in press). How effective are mobile devices for language learning? A meta-analysis. Educational Research Review. doi:10.1016/j.edurev.2015.09.001 Wang, S., Jiao, H., Young, M. J., Brooks, T., & Olson, J. (2007). Comparability of computer-based and paper-and-pencil testing in K–12 reading assessments: A meta-analysis of testing mode effects. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 68(1), 5–24. Zakariya, Y. F., Alotaibi, S. B., Alrashood, J. S., & Alrosaa, T. M. (2026). Computer-based testing in higher education: A phenomenology investigation into undergraduate students' perspectives through the Technology Acceptance Model. Frontiers in Psychology, 17, Article 1602964. https://doi.org/10.3389/fp
More Articles from INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EDUCATION AND EVALUATION
Understanding the Opportunities and Challenges of Artificial Intelligence Adoption in Mathematics Education: Perspectives of Secondary School Teachers in Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Author: Charles-Owaba, Tekenate PhD Prof Isaac B. Ado
Effects of Field Trip and Demonstration-Based Teaching Methods on Students’ Academic Achievement in Basic Science
Author: ENEH, Chinecherem Precious, OFFOR, Joseph Chidiebere, MBONU-ADIGWE, Bianca Uzoamaka, CHUKWU, Peter Ndubuisi, Corresponding author Chukwu, Peter Ndubuisi
Provision of Teachers Needs for Effective Service Delivery in Public Senior Secondary Schools in Rivets State
Author: Nkechinyere Ndubuisi PhD, Prof. Okai, N. Okai
Provision of Security: A Panacea for Effective Lecturers Productivity in Universities in Rivers State
Author: Igwebuike Amaka Patience, Ochor Emeka Christian
Digital Facilities Availability and Lecturers’ Effectiveness in Federal Universities, North-Central Geo-Political Zone, Nigeria
Author: Nanpan Panshak Titus, Prof. Timson I. Ndupuechi, Prof. Theresa S. Gyang