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Jambites groan as network hitches, power failure mar UTME Computer Based Test

UNIVERSITY Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) 2015, which started on March 10 will end this month.  ENCOMIUM Weekly visited some tutorial centres where we spoke with some candidates about their views concerning the new computer based test. 

During the interview, some candidates said network failure during the examination has been a big problem and more…

FAUSTINA ONYESON

What department are you?

I am a Science student.

How well are you preparing for your forthcoming examination?

I am preparing well.  As you can see, we are in our tutorial academy where they teach us how to prepare for exams.

When is your exam coming up?

Thursday, March 19.

How long do you think you need to answer all questions?

I guess three and half hours.

What if it was to be a handwritten exam, would you have preferred it to the new computer-based test?

No, I prefer handwritten because of calculations, to make corrections, etc.

Are you conversant with the new computer based system?

Yes, I am.

DAMILOLA AJAI

How are you preparing for your exams?

I am preparing very well.

What are the challenges you think will come up during the exams?

I am not thinking of any challenge except network problem and enough time.

How long do you think it will take you to finish?

If I am given up to four hours, I think I will finish everything before the system log out.

Are you conversant with the system?

Yes, I know computer very well but it’s not about knowing the computer.  What matters is when you know what you are doing because there are people who know how to operate the computer but when it comes to exams they miss out.

SUNNY AKIM

How are you preparing for your exams?

I have done it.  I wrote my exam at Abeokuta, Ogun State.

What are the challenges you faced during the exam?

They didn’t allow us to finish.  They logged the system out and when I wanted to log in they said my time was over.

Are you conversant with the computer based test?

I don’t like the computer test because they didn’t give us time to read the questions.  I think the handwritten is preferable.

How long did it take you to finish?

It took me about two hours yet I didn’t finish.

If it was hand written, would it have been better?

Yes, it would have been much better because we are used to handwritten exams.

NDUBE CHIDINMA

Where did you write your UTME exam?

I wrote the exam in Ogun State.

What were the challenges during the exams?

The network was so bad but all the same, I thank God because I was able to finish before the system logged out.

How long did it take you to finish?

It took me about five hours to finish.  I waited for about one hour thirty minutes to check my work and then I submitted.  I thank God I had enough time.

Do you prefer the computer or the paper pencil test?

I think I prefer the paper pencil test.  For those who are not conversant with the computer, I prefer the handwritten test because of them.

FABUNMI BLESSING

How was your experience with the new computer based test?

It was annoying.  Light went off.  We had to wait for so long before they brought back the light.

Did you finish the exam?

Yes.

If it was to be handwritten, would you have preferred it to the new system?

I prefer the new system because it really helped me.

Are you conversant with the new system?

Not really, but I am used to computer.

How long did it take you to finish?

One hour 45 minutes.

DARAMOLA SHALLOM

How are you preparing for your UTME exams?

I’m trying my best towards the upcoming exams.   I believe with God I would make it despite the challenges.

What are the challenges you feel will delay you?

I think it will be network problems that will delay me.

How long do you think it would take you to finish up?

If they give me five hours, I will finish.  At least, I can use two hours 30 minutes and use the remaining 30 minutes to go through my work before I submit.

Do you think the computer test is better than hand written?

It all depends on individuals.  I think computer is better because it will not give time for sharp practices.

SALAUDEEN RAHMOT

How far you preparing for UTME?

I am trying my best to make it.

When is your exam coming up?

Tuesday, March 17.

Is that the last day for UTME?

No, it’s not.  I still have friends that have exams on March 19.

What are the challenges you think can crop up due to what other people are saying?

Network, electricity, etc.

How long did it take you to finish ever since you started rehearsals for UTME?

Three hours.

Computer based test compared to handwritten exam, which one is better?

Both are good, all I know is that due to the new system, electricity, network can cause delay.

Are you conversant with computer based test?

Yes.

TAIWO TAIWO

What are the challenges you faced in the exam hall?

It took time to load when you put in your registration number, you can also click on the wrong option. With that it takes time and the time you log in will start counting immediately.  It also depends on when you are mandated to stop either you are done or not.

Are you conversant with the new computer based test?

Yes, I am.

How long did it take you to finish?

Three hours, despite the network failure and all.

If it was hand written, would it have been better?

No.  The new system is faster and easier.

What department are you aiming for?

Commercial department.

–     TEMITOPE OYEDELE and MATILDA ALOYSIUS

Encomium

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A media, tech and events company.

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