The University Librarian of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Professor Angela Ebele Okpala, has described the conduct of the 2026_1 e-Examination monitoring tours in the Umuahia, Owerri and Awgu Study Centres as smooth, orderly and successful.
Speaking after monitoring the examination exercise, Okpala commended the centres for their commitment to maintaining examination standards while identifying areas requiring improvement.
At the Umuahia Study Centre, she noted that the centre is strategically located and serves a large, active student population, making it economically viable due to the high influx of students.
The Librarian, however, expressed concern over the inconspicuous placement of the centre's identification billboard and stressed the need for increased advocacy and visibility.
She also highlighted the high cost of operating the centre on generator power and the non-functionality of the fibre-optic internet connection, recommending the urgent provision of solar power and the restoration of the fibre-optic facility.
Okpala further observed recurring errors in some e-examination questions, particularly instances where multiple answers were repeatedly marked as correct.
The librarian therefore recommended a more rigorous moderation process for examination questions.
She commended the Centre Director, Professor Chris Nnadi, and members of staff for their dedication, teamwork and commitment to ensuring a seamless examination exercise.
At the Owerri Study Centre, the University Librarian observed that the centre has operated for over 15 years under challenging power conditions, making reliance on generators economically unsustainable.
She recommended the installation of a solar power system as a more reliable and cost-effective alternative.
She noted that the centre's main examination hall, which has a capacity to accommodate about 1,500 students, remains underutilised due to the absence of approximately 2,000 computer systems and 10 ventilation fans.
Consequently, the centre currently relies on four smaller halls, each with a seating capacity of 33 students, necessitating examinations to be conducted in several batches.
Okpala also observed that many nursing mothers brought their babies to the examination venue, creating distractions for themselves and other candidates.
She therefore advocated the establishment of a crèche facility to support such students during examination periods.
In addition, she noted the absence of a designated waiting area where students could engage in last-minute revision before their examinations.
She also reiterated concerns about the non-functionality of the fibre-optic internet connection at the centre.
Despite these challenges, Okpala described the centre as neat, spacious and befitting of its purpose.
Okpala further commended the students for their orderly conduct and adherence to examination rules and regulations.
She also praised the Centre Director, Professor Juliana Ndunagu, and her staff for their hard work and commitment to ensuring a hitch-free examination exercise.
At the Awgu Study Centre, Okpala noted that although the e-examination exercise was successfully conducted, the student population remained relatively low.
She nevertheless commended the management and staff for maintaining the required standards and ensuring a smooth examination process.
The monitoring tour formed part of NOUN's ongoing efforts to ensure quality assurance, uphold examination integrity and identify areas for improvement across its study centres nationwide.
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