Clinical Sciences introduces electronic e-OSCE for final MBBS examinations
By Isaac Lewu
The Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Ilorin, has introduced an electronic Objective Structured Clinical Examination (e-OSCE) for its Final MBBS examinations, making the UNILORIN Medical School the first in Nigeria to deploy the technology for the examination.
The Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Kolawole Wasiu Wahab, who disclosed this last Wednesday, (October 7, 2026) at the University’s CBT Centre, explained that the innovation formed part of the ongoing transition from the traditional paper-based system to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for MBBS examinations.
Prof. Wahab said the initiative was first piloted during the Part II Final MBBS examinations for 500-Level students before being deployed for the ongoing Part III Final MBBS examinations involving final-year students.
The Professor of Medicine explained that the final MBBS examinations comprise multiple-choice questions, essays and clinical examinations, noting that while the multiple-choice component is now conducted through CBT, the essay component remains manually assessed, while the clinical examination comprises unmanned and manned stations.
He said the e-OSCE had brought picture tests and data interpretation exercises, traditionally conducted as unmanned clinical stations, onto a single computer-based platform, thereby reducing printing and manual marking while enabling automatic grading and faster processing of results.
The Dean added that the system had addressed challenges associated with projecting clinical images on screens across examination halls, where candidates could be affected by distance from the screen or variations in image resolution. He said the e-OSCE now provides each candidate with an individual computer screen, ensuring uniform examination conditions.
Also speaking with UNILORIN Bulletin, the Deputy Director of the Centre for Computer-Based Testing, Mr Adebayo Lawal, said the University deployed the JOTA software, describing it as a more flexible and robust platform designed to enhance the efficiency, reliability and integrity of computer-based examinations. He added that the Centre had overcome initial operational challenges associated with the deployment.
Mr Lawal explained that replacing some ageing or damaged computers at the Centre with new high-end systems would provide the technological capacity required to maximise the JOTA platform and further strengthen the University’s technology-driven examination system.
Also in his remarks, the Managing Director of JKK Oneware Limited, Mr. Yusuf Ghaffar, said the indigenous Information Technology company, which has operated in Nigeria for over 40 years, partnered with the University to develop a CBT platform capable of electronically replicating the traditional examination process, adding that the platform was upgraded from one server to three hybrid servers to accommodate the volume of data and high-quality images required for the e-OSCE.
The Faculty Officer, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Mr Is-haaq Abdussalam, said the new system would enhance efficiency and fairness in assessment while giving students easier access to examination materials.
He added that the initiative, supported by relevant University units and consultants, would help the Faculty manage its growing student population and improve the overall examination process.
