Pre-varsity Students’ Ease of Use and Perception of Online Entrance Examination at Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria

Abstract

The exodus from traditional paper-based examination mode to online assessments in Nigeria Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) requires the need to evaluate students’ experiences to ensure efficiency and satisfaction. Thus, this study examined pre-varsity students’ ease of use and perception of the online entrance examination at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. It also identified some challenges students encountered while participating in the examination. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. Using multistage sampling techniques, 200 newly admitted undergraduates who participated in the online entrance examination were selected across two faculties in the University. Data were collected using a researcher-designed questionnaire, and analysis of data was carried out using frequency counts, percentages, and the Relative Significance Index (RSI). Findings revealed that 77.8% of the students found the online examination platform easy to use, while 16.7% found it very easy, showing a high level of usability and interface friendliness. Furthermore, 56.6% of respondents had a positive perception, 42.4% were neutral, and only 1.0% had a negative perception of the online examination mode. The major challenges identified included poor internet connectivity (RSI = 70.33%), unclear questions (RSI = 66.41%), time constraints (RSI = 62.63%), technical faults (RSI = 61.67%), and external distractions (RSI = 60.48%). The study concluded that students generally found the online examination system easy to use and perceived it positively despite facing some technical and environmental challenges.