Effectiveness of Application of ICT in Examination: A Case Study of Federal Polytechnic Mubi

Abstract

The increasing adoption of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has transformed examination administration in higher education by enabling faster processing, improved record management, enhanced examination security, and more efficient result computation. However, evidence on the effectiveness of ICT-enabled examination systems in Nigerian polytechnics remains limited, particularly in northeastern Nigeria. This study evaluated the effectiveness of ICT application in examination administration at Federal Polytechnic Mubi, Adamawa State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was adopted. Data were collected from academic staff and students using a structured questionnaire, and 352 valid responses were analysed using descriptive statistics, Cronbach's alpha, Pearson product-moment correlation, and multiple linear regression. The research instrument demonstrated high internal consistency, with an overall Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.891. The findings showed that ICT facilities were generally available, with a grand mean of 3.89, although backup power supply was inadequate (M = 2.94). ICT application was rated highly effective in examination administration, with a grand mean of 4.24. ICT availability was strongly and positively associated with examination effectiveness (r = 0.712, p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis further showed that ICT availability, ICT competence, and institutional support jointly explained 68.4% of the variance in examination effectiveness (Adjusted R² = 0.684, p < 0.001). ICT availability was the strongest predictor (β = 0.447), followed by institutional support (β = 0.344) and ICT competence (β = 0.261). Major implementation barriers included unstable electricity, poor internet connectivity, inadequate ICT infrastructure, insufficient funding, and cybersecurity concerns. The study concludes that ICT can substantially improve examination administration when supported by reliable infrastructure, competent users, adequate institutional support, and appropriate cybersecurity measures.