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DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF ONLINE POST-UTME SYSTEM

ABSTRACT

Registration for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, is organised by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB, for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria. This registration is conducted in all the states in Nigeria in a given period of the year. Many a times, the process is cumbersome, not organized and possess a lot of stress to students. So, the goal of this project is to provide a readily accessible and user- friendly system for students to register for UTME online and to access the result of the examination online. This would be like other online registration forms, but it will also feature the following advantages; as a web-based system, students will be able to have access from any computer that has a web browser and is connected to the Internet to register for UTME, with a graphical interface, this system will be more user-friendly and intuitive to use. The introduction of on-line registration was an enormous improvement over the old, cumbersome paper-based method. While implementing the software, HTML and Visual Basic 6.0 was used to design an online examination registration and result checking form for UTME.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

The online Post-UTME system has emerged as a significant advancement in the realm of university admissions in Nigeria. The traditional methods of conducting the Post-UTME (Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination) have faced numerous challenges, including logistical issues, delays in processing, and inconsistencies in examination administration. In recent years, educational institutions have increasingly adopted digital solutions to address these problems and streamline the admission process.

The Post-UTME is a critical component of the university admission process in Nigeria, designed to assess the suitability of candidates who have already passed the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). The shift towards an online Post-UTME system represents a modernization of this process, aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and accessibility. According to Ajayi and Ojo (2020), the online system is intended to mitigate issues such as manual errors and delays, which were prevalent in the traditional paper-based system.

A significant factor driving the transition to online Post-UTME systems is the need for increased accessibility. In the past, candidates from remote or underserved regions faced considerable challenges in reaching examination centers, often resulting in lower participation rates and unequal opportunities. The online system is expected to address these disparities by enabling candidates to take exams from their locations, provided they have access to a stable internet connection (Oluwaseun, 2021). This change aligns with global trends in educational technology, where digital platforms are increasingly used to democratize access to education (Smith, 2022).

The integration of online platforms into the Post-UTME process also promises improvements in data management and security. Traditional methods often involved manual handling of large volumes of data, leading to potential breaches and mismanagement. The online system, however, utilizes secure digital platforms that can better handle data and provide real-time updates, thus enhancing the overall integrity of the examination process (Nguyen, 2019). This is particularly crucial in an era where data privacy and security are of paramount concern.

Moreover, the implementation of an online Post-UTME system has the potential to reduce operational costs associated with the examination process. Paper-based systems incur significant expenses related to printing, distribution, and manual processing. By moving to a digital format, these costs can be significantly reduced, allowing educational institutions to allocate resources more efficiently (Johnson & Wilson, 2021). This financial efficiency is critical in a context where educational funding is often limited and must be judiciously managed.

The evolution of the Post-UTME system to an online format also reflects broader changes in the educational landscape of Nigeria. The increasing integration of technology in education is part of a larger trend towards digital transformation, which aims to enhance educational delivery and administration across various levels (Adeyemi, 2020). As Nigeria continues to navigate these changes, the online Post-UTME system stands as a significant step towards modernizing its higher education sector.

However, the transition to an online system is not without its challenges. Issues such as technological infrastructure, internet connectivity, and digital literacy among candidates and examiners can impact the effectiveness of the online Post-UTME system. According to Akinwale and Akinola (2022), addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including educational institutions, government agencies, and technology providers. Ensuring that all parties involved are adequately prepared and equipped to handle the online system is crucial for its success.

In conclusion, the design and implementation of an online Post-UTME system represent a significant advancement in Nigeria's higher education admissions process. This modernization effort aims to address historical challenges associated with traditional methods, enhance accessibility, and improve data management and cost efficiency. As the system continues to evolve, ongoing evaluation and refinement will be essential to ensure its effectiveness and sustainability.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The traditional Post-UTME examination system in Nigeria has been plagued by several persistent issues that undermine its effectiveness. These include logistical difficulties, inconsistent administration, and delays in processing results. Candidates from remote areas often face significant challenges in accessing examination centers, resulting in unequal opportunities and lower participation rates. Furthermore, the manual handling of data introduces risks of errors and breaches, compromising the integrity of the examination process. With the growing demand for more efficient and accessible examination methods, there is a need to explore and implement an online Post-UTME system that can address these problems comprehensively.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to determine the effectiveness of the online Post-UTME system in improving the university admission process in Nigeria.

Specific objectives include:

i. To evaluate the impact of the online Post-UTME system on the accessibility and inclusivity of the examination process.

ii.  To determine the effectiveness of the online system in reducing operational costs compared to traditional methods.

iii.  To find out the challenges faced by candidates and institutions in the implementation and usage of the online Post-UTME system.

1.4 Research Questions

i. What is the impact of the online Post-UTME system on the accessibility and inclusivity of the examination process?

ii. What is the effectiveness of the online Post-UTME system in reducing operational costs compared to traditional methods?

iii. How does the implementation and usage of the online Post-UTME system affect candidates and institutions?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

Hypothesis I

H0: There is no significant impact of the online Post-UTME system on the accessibility and inclusivity of the examination process.

H1: There is a significant impact of the online Post-UTME system on the accessibility and inclusivity of the examination process.

Hypothesis II

H0: There is no significant reduction in operational costs with the implementation of the online Post-UTME system compared to traditional methods.

H2: There is a significant reduction in operational costs with the implementation of the online Post-UTME system compared to traditional methods.

Hypothesis III

H0: There are no significant challenges faced by candidates and institutions in the implementation and usage of the online Post-UTME system.

H3: There are significant challenges faced by candidates and institutions in the implementation and usage of the online Post-UTME system.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study is significant as it provides insights into the effectiveness of the online Post-UTME system, highlighting its impact on accessibility, cost-efficiency, and operational challenges. The findings will be valuable to educational institutions, policymakers, and technology providers in improving the design and implementation of online examination systems. By identifying the benefits and challenges associated with the online system, the study contributes to the ongoing efforts to modernize and enhance the university admission process in Nigeria.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The scope of this study includes an examination of the online Post-UTME system implemented in Nigerian universities. It focuses on evaluating the system’s impact on accessibility, cost reduction, and the challenges encountered by candidates and institutions. The study will cover various universities that have adopted the online Post-UTME system and will analyze data from both candidates and administrative staff involved in the examination process.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

The study may face several limitations, including potential biases in self-reported data from candidates and institutional staff. Additionally, variations in technological infrastructure and internet connectivity across different regions may affect the generalizability of the findings. The study is also limited by the availability of data on the financial aspects of implementing the online system, which may impact the accuracy of cost-effectiveness assessments.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Post-UTME: An entrance examination conducted by Nigerian universities for candidates who have passed the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to assess their suitability for admission.

Online Post-UTME System: A digital platform used to administer the Post-UTME examination, allowing candidates to take the test via the internet rather than in person at examination centers.

Accessibility: The ease with which candidates from various locations can access and participate in the examination.

Operational Costs: The expenses associated with conducting the Post-UTME examination, including costs related to logistics, materials, and personnel.

Digital Transformation: The integration of digital technologies into various aspects of education and administration to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

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