Special Examination Centres: Use, Motivations, and Perceived Effects on Later Academic Performance among Undergraduate Students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka

Abstract

This study investigated the use, motivations and perceived effects of special
examination centre on later academic performance among undergraduate students
at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The study was guided by four research
objectives, and a cross-sectional research design was adopted. A simple random
sampling method by balloting and availability sampling techniques were used to
select 204 respondents. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Findings revealed that the
majority (87%) of the students have utilized special examination centers, and this is
evidence that the practice was widespread within the educational sector. It was also
found that the primary motivation for students’ use of special examination centres
was to pass with minimal effort (51.0%). Others include lack of preparation (26.5%)
and fear of failing regular exams (19.0%). Moreover, the impact on the later
academic performance of undergraduate students was largely negative, with 51.0%
stating that reliance on these centres led to a decline in performance over time.
Based on the findings, the study recommended the implementation of awareness
campaigns on the long-term consequences of special examination centres and
examination malpractice, encouraging a culture of academic integrity, stricter
monitoring of examination centres, and the reinforcement of academic support
programs to help students prepare adequately for examinations. Additionally,
universities are encouraged to introduce stricter penalties for students involved in
such practices and promote integrity-driven assessment methods, such as
continuous assessments and practical-based evaluations, to reduce overreliance on
final examinations.