Effectiveness of the Digital Invigilation on the Quality of the Results in the Nigerian Universities

Abstract

This review synthesizes existing literature to examine the effect of digital invigilation on the quality of examination results in Nigerian universities, as a countermeasure to the perennial problem of exam malpractice and the inefficiency of manual invigilation. Although the use of digital invigilation may make exams, as a method of verifying credible performance, more effective, its effectiveness is compromised by power outages and internet connectivity issues, as well as the risk of algorithmic bias toward individuals with darker skin tones or lower economic status. Based on the literature reviewed, student performance and learning outcomes are weakened by stress induced by both the examination method and features of digital invigilation systems. Given that universities are increasingly instituting digital invigilation systems, it is vital that the learning and stress surrounding their deployment do not repeat the same errors already in use in education. The review suggests that further empirical study be undertaken into the efficiency of digital invigilation and robust procedures to prevent cheating and fraud. It does, however, urge Nigerian universities to upgrade their hardware and work with technology producers to develop more equitable invigilation systems and algorithms. Furthermore, schools should use not only better evaluative frameworks and consistent evaluation processes, but must ensure those frameworks are accessible to all students so they can benefit from them in pursuit of academic equality.