We’ve raised the bar- CBT Director
By Mustafa Abubakar
The Director of the University of Ilorin Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centre, Prof. Adeyinka Tella, has declared that the University has “raised the bar” in technology-driven examinations and is set to further upgrade its CBT systems to make future examinations even more efficient, secure and globally competitive.
Prof. Tella disclosed this penultimate Friday (July 17, 2026) while speaking with the UNILORIN Bulletin in his office during a review of the just-concluded 2025/2026 Rain Semester CBT examinations.
The multiple award-winning academic described the exercise as highly successful, seamless and largely free of technical or operational challenges. He noted that the experience had provided valuable lessons that would further strengthen the technology-driven assessment system of the University.
He said the University successfully administered 105 courses through the CBT platform across undergraduate levels, from 100 to 500 level, adding that the smooth conduct of the examinations reflected the unwavering commitment of the institution to deploying technology for efficient, transparent, credible and globally competitive assessment processes.
According to him, one of the major highlights of the exercise was the absence of significant disruptions throughout the examination period, as the CBT infrastructure functioned optimally with stable internet connectivity, reliable power supply and minimal technical issues.
He explained that candidates completed their examinations without unnecessary interruptions, while technical support teams promptly resolved the few isolated challenges encountered during the exercise.
The Director also commended the high level of organisation demonstrated by examination officials and technical personnel, saying that scheduling, candidate verification, invigilation and session transitions were efficiently managed to ensure that examination sessions commenced and concluded as scheduled.
Prof. Tella attributed the success of the exercise to meticulous planning, effective coordination and the commitment of all stakeholders.
He explained that before the commencement of the examinations, the Centre carried out comprehensive testing and maintenance of computer systems, servers, networking equipment and backup power facilities. Mock sessions and system checks were also conducted to ascertain the readiness of the CBT infrastructure, while examination schedules were carefully designed to accommodate the large student population without overstretching available resources.
He noted that technical support personnel were deployed throughout the examination period to provide immediate assistance whenever required, while examination officials, invigilators, ICT personnel and administrative staff worked collaboratively to ensure that every examination session was conducted efficiently and on schedule.
Prof. Tella disclosed that a few minor issues, including occasional login difficulties, isolated hardware-related problems affecting individual computer terminals and cases of students arriving late for scheduled sessions, were experienced. He, however, said the issues were promptly resolved through standby systems, on-site technical support and established contingency measures, ensuring that they had no significant impact on the overall conduct of the examinations.
On measures adopted to uphold the integrity and credibility of the examinations, Prof. Tella said the CBT Centre implemented comprehensive candidate verification procedures before every examination session to ensure that only duly registered students gained access to the examination halls.
He added that access to the Centre was strictly controlled, while trained invigilators, ICT personnel and security officers closely monitored all examination activities throughout each session.
According to him, secured examination software and system controls were also deployed to minimise opportunities for examination malpractice, while candidates were assigned designated computer terminals and examination questions were securely managed within the CBT platform.
Prof. Tella said surveillance systems, including CCTV cameras, further strengthened the credibility, transparency and fairness of the examinations, stressing that the University maintained a zero-tolerance policy on examination malpractice and that any suspicious activity was promptly investigated and handled in line with established regulations.
Reflecting on lessons learnt from the exercise, the Director said the successful conduct of the examinations had reaffirmed the importance of proactive planning, early preparation and continuous improvement in sustaining excellence in technology-driven assessments.
He noted that routine maintenance of ICT infrastructure, periodic system upgrades, rigorous pre-examination testing and continuous capacity building for technical and examination personnel would remain central to the examination management strategy of the University.
Prof. Tella also emphasised the importance of effective collaboration among the CBT Centre, the University administration, academic departments, ICT personnel, security officers and students, describing their collective efforts as fundamental to the success of the examinations.
He explained that the experience had also reinforced the need to strengthen contingency measures through adequate backup systems, expanded technical support capacity and periodic review of operational procedures to ensure even more efficient responses to unforeseen situations.
Looking ahead, Prof. Tella assured students and other stakeholders that the University would continue to upgrade its technological infrastructure, enhance system capacity to accommodate increasing student enrolment and introduce additional innovations to improve the speed, reliability, security and overall user experience of computer-based examinations.
He disclosed that greater emphasis would also be placed on regular orientation programmes to familiarise students with CBT procedures and examination guidelines, thereby reducing avoidable errors and examination anxiety.
The Director added that the Centre would continue to strengthen data security, examination monitoring and quality assurance mechanisms while adopting emerging technologies and international best practices in digital assessment.
According to him, these improvements are aimed at ensuring that future CBT examinations remain efficient, transparent, fair and globally competitive.
Prof. Tella said the success of the just-concluded examinations serves as both an achievement and a motivation for continuous improvement, reaffirming the University’s commitment to delivering world-class computer-based assessment services that uphold its longstanding reputation for academic excellence, innovation and integrity.
He expressed profound appreciation to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, for his visionary leadership, steadfast support and commitment to maintaining high academic standards and promoting technology-driven assessment.
He also appreciated the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Oduola, for her guidance and effective coordination of academic activities throughout the examination period.
Prof. Tella thanked the Director of Works and the entire Works Department for ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply and maintaining critical facilities, as well as the JKK Team for providing efficient ICT support throughout the examinations.
He equally commended the staff of the CBT Centre, Deans, Heads of Departments, Faculty Officers, Examination Officers, ICT personnel, invigilators, security personnel, administrative staff and all other support staff whose professionalism, teamwork and dedication contributed to the success of the exercise.
He also expressed gratitude to the students for their discipline, cooperation and compliance with the examination regulations of the University. noting that their orderly conduct greatly facilitated the smooth conduct of the examinations.
