society

CURBING GRADING BIAS IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS

Published

11 months ago

May 29, 2025

Sahara Weekly

CURBING GRADING BIAS IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS

~By Okunlegbe John T

Indices have shown in recent years,how the credibility of examinations in Nigeria’s higher institutions has come under increasing scrutiny and doubts. To a great extent, the skepticism is as a result of allegations of grading bias, and manipulations by lecturers.

Before now, all eyebrows seemed to be against students. They are perceived to be the only culprits in examination malfeasances, seeing they assume a role of the subordinates,and are mostly involved in cheating during exams,buying grades and other related malpractices.

However, as technology advances, particularly with the invention of computer-based tests (CBT) that allow for studends, to write examination online and have their results uploaded via the same means, it is increasingly becoming necessary, to shift the searchlight against examination malpractices to the lecturers.
I speak today as a lecturers, who was once a student, but victimized through grading bias.

Years ago, I had reasons to join a host of others, to register our grievances about how our department handled the collation of our final result— the collations were taking longer than necessary, and many of my course mates were eager to go for NYSC deployment.
Long story made short, some of us who made that journey to school were victimized. Our grades were reduced, and as such we have continued to live with this trauma.

It is important I tell you that, there is an opportunity to ‘call for one’s papers’ in most Nigerian universities, however, such avenues are nothing but means for further frustration and victimisation of students. If anyone has ever scaled such rigour, then, the percentage of those who have come out triumphant must be very infinitesimal.

In most of the cases, students who register disatisfactions about their results or grades are humiliated and marked down during the remarking process.

Because of naivity that comes with adolescence, most students who have such issues prefer to be quite about it. They are spiraled into silence, knowing doing otherwise could spell doom.

It is not out of place, to say most of the lecturers in our tertiary institution have assumed the position of the biblical principalities and powers. Many wield so much powers that, they can do and undo just anything, especially as it concerns students’ academic performances.

It is unfortunate that,an issue as mundane and irrelevant to academics as sex, is used against some unwilling students— a lecturer wants to take an undue advantage of a female student, before such student passes her course at all, or with good grade. What a sacrilege!

To address these challenges and enhance transparency and fairness,there is need for shifting from traditional pen-on-paper examinations to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) across Nigerian universities and colleges:

Curtailing lecturers’ manipulations, is paramount in the quest for academic transparency and integrity in Nigeria. The world had since moved from where most of our institutions now dwell. The days of submitting your examination scripts to a drug or alcohol-influnced lecturer are over. We must embrace the ease, speed and accuracy that technology accords.

With manual grading, the risk of biased marking, grade alterations, and even solicitation of favors (monetary or otherwise) is significantly higher. CBTs remove this vulnerability by automating the marking process for objective questions, reducing human interference, and ensuring that results are based purely on student performance.
The detection of the hitches in 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) organized recently by Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is a testament to the fact that, our old grading patterns are indeed archaic and suppressive. Aside the technical glitches, which are easily detectable and amendable, JAMB deploying CBT method remains the best.

Furthermore,for our institutions to score high in objectivity and fairness, candidates must be scored based on definitive algorithms, leaving little to no room for subjectivity– this can only be made possible by CBT. Here,all students are assessed under the same conditions, and the same grading standards are uniformly applied. This gives equal opportunity, or a level playing field, where students’ efforts are the sole determinants of their grades, thereby restoring faith in the integrity of academic assessments.

While computers may not necessarily be able to take over all human activities, we must accept the fact that,they enhance productivity and the management of time. No matter how smart and proficient a lecturer could be, the sight of over a hundred booklets of students during examination sends a wave across his/her spine. It is certain s/he wouldn’t be able to mark all scripts with the same zest, objectivity and speed.

Traditional examinations require a long marking period, during which scripts are often lost, misgraded, or intentionally manipulated. In contrast, CBTs offer instant or much faster results, giving no room for tampering after submission. This rapid turnaround not only benefits students but also reduces the administrative workload on academic departments.

Nigerian institutions must embrace a paradigm shift, if they hope to remain competitive and prepare students for the demands of the modern workforce
Moving fully to CBT is not without its challenges. Infrastructure deficits, erratic power supply, and digital divide are real issues in many Nigerian institutions. However, these challenges are surmountable. Government investment, public-private partnerships, and phased implementation can bridge the gap.

Moreso, while objective questions are easier to grade via CBT, strategies must be developed to accommodate essay-type assessments and practicals. Hybrid models that incorporate both automated testing and supervised evaluations could serve as a balanced approach during the transition phase.

Let me close by emphasising that, transitioning from pen-on-paper examinations to CBT in Nigerian higher institutions, is not just a technological upgrade — it’s a fundamental reform to restore integrity,fairness and transparency in the academic system. It is an easy avenue for the elimination of opportunities for lecturers’ manipulations.

CBT stands as a crucial tool in transforming Nigeria’s education sector into one that truly rewards merit and prepares students for a digital future.

What stops institutions, including JAMB from conducting CBTs where students’ results are displayed immediately the SUBMIT button is clicked?

Okunlegbe John is a lecturer and a pastor. He writes from Ilorin.

society

Lagos 2027: Obasa hosts Hamzat, Promises Support for Governorship Bid

Published

5 hours ago

April 23, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Lagos 2027: Obasa hosts Hamzat, Promises Support for Governorship Bid

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, on Thursday, played host to Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat at his official residence in GRA, Ikeja, promising to galvanise his expansive political structure to ensure Hamzat’s victory at the forthcoming governorship election.

Dr Hamzat is the presumptive APC candidate for the Lagos governorship seat, and the engagement was part of his ongoing strategic consultations with All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders and leaders.

Speaker Obasa extolled Hamzat’s pedigree, commitment to infrastructure development, and loyalty to the party, adding that for the continued development of Lagos State, every discerning electorate must rally round him.

“I just returned from Abuja, and the conversation remains the same – Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat is the next Governor of Lagos State. You have demonstrated unquestionable loyalty to our great party and even greater competence in serving Lagos. We love you, we support you, and we will do everything to ensure that we win the election,” Speaker Obasa declared.

Responding, Dr Hamzat expressed gratitude for the warm reception while highlighting Obasa’s legislative experience and political network, which he said are invaluable. He reiterated his focus on collaborative governance, saying, “Lagos is a collective project. My consultations are not about personal ambition but about ensuring continuity, innovation, and inclusive development for our people,” Hamzat said.

society

Police Repel Coordinated Kidnap Attack In Sokoto, Launch Manhunt

Published

10 hours ago

April 23, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Police Repel Coordinated Kidnap Attack In Sokoto, Launch Manhunt

Security operatives in Sokoto State have foiled a coordinated kidnapping attempt by armed bandits targeting two communities, killing one suspect and launching a manhunt for others who escaped with injuries.

According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Ahmad Rufa’i, the operation was carried out in the early hours of Thursday following a distress call received at about 12:30 a.m. reporting simultaneous attacks on Illela Village, also known as Achida Town, and Kwargaba Hamlet.

“The Anti-Kidnapping Unit, in collaboration with other tactical teams, responded swiftly to the distress call,” he said. “Our operatives, who were already on high alert, engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel and successfully repelled the attack.”

Rufa’i disclosed that the security forces overpowered the assailants after a prolonged exchange of gunfire, neutralising one suspect who was dressed in military camouflage, while others fled with gunshot wounds into the nearby Gundumi Forest.

“An intensive manhunt is ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects who escaped into the forest with varying degrees of injuries,” he added.

However, before the arrival of security personnel, the bandits reportedly shot and killed a member of the Kwargaba community vigilante group. His body has since been recovered and released to his family for burial.

The police spokesperson urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements or individuals to the nearest security agency, assuring that efforts are being intensified to ensure the safety of lives and property across the state.

society

The Kendrick Brothers, Cameron Arnett, Kingdom Story Company, Bright Wonder Obasi Train 60 Christian Filmmakers in Nigeria

Published

13 hours ago

April 23, 2026

Sahara Weekly

The Kendrick Brothers, Cameron Arnett, Kingdom Story Company, Bright Wonder Obasi Train 60 Christian Filmmakers in Nigeria

Abuja, Nigeria – April 23, 2026

Successful actors, producers and movie makers like; the Kendrick Brothers, Cameron Arnett, Kingdom Story Company, Bright Wonder Obasi were among the facilitators who trained 60 Christian Filmmakers in Nigeria at the just concluded Africa Gospel Film Project (AGFP) 2026.

The groundbreaking 6-day Intensive Filmmaking Masterclass and Spiritual Formation Program, were 60 emerging Christian filmmakers from Nigeria and Zambia were trained in Abuja was held at the Gospel Cinema International /High Definition Film Academy (HDFA) Facility in Gwarinpa.

The program brought together a distinguished lineup of facilitators from Nigeria and the United States, positioning AGFP as a leading platform for faith-based filmmaking development in Africa.

Among the international facilitators was Stephen Kendrick of the Kendrick Brothers, known for films such as The Forge, War Room, Facing the Giants, and Courageous, Overcomer, Fireproof, who delivered a powerful session titled “Heart of The Filmmaker.” Also featured was Cameron Arnett, who led sessions on “Christ Over Career” and acting for film.

Other notable speakers included Nick Carey (Kingdom Story Company), who spoke on “The Making of a Faith-Based Blockbuster Movie,” as well as Bob Saenz (Screenwriting Masterclass), Beverly Holloway (Acting Masterclass), David Cook, Adam Drake, Prince Daniel (Aboki), Lummie Adevbie, Chris Odeh, and Jennifer Keltner (Identity & Storytelling), among others.

The program opened with a strong spiritual foundation, including worship and a keynote by the Convener, Bright Wonder Obasi, titled “Calling & Identity: Film as Spiritual Influence/Programming,” which challenged participants to view storytelling as a tool for cultural and spiritual transformation.

Participants were grouped into four production studios—House of Gideon, House of Caleb, House of Joshua, and House of David—and underwent three days of intensive masterclasses and workshops across screenwriting, directing, cinematography, acting, editing, and producing, alongside deep spiritual formation.

On Day 4, teams developed and pitched short film concepts for professional review and approval. Day 5 was dedicated to full-scale production, with all four teams executing their projects under real industry conditions.

The program culminated on Day 6 with:

A Pitch-A-Thon, where 20 filmmakers presented original projects for funding and collaboration.

A public screening of four short films produced during the program

Professional feedback from a panel of judges.

Certification of all participants

Awards for best Screenplay, Cinematography, directing, editing, acting, and overall best short film.

The closing ceremony featured a powerful commissioning session led by Pastor Ikenna Okeke, where participants were prayed for and consecrated as “God’s Creative Army.”

Speaking after the event, the Convener, Bright Wonder Obasi, described AGFP 2026 as “a movement to raise storytellers who will shape culture and influence nations through truth-driven films.

Films that honor God”

With its successful debut, AGFP is now preparing for its next edition, following its mandate to train 300 Christian filmmakers across Africa and develop a slate of six global faith-based films over a three-year period.

The Africa Gospel Film Project continues to position itself as a catalyst for purpose-driven storytelling, industry excellence, and spiritual transformation in African cinema.