By Belinda Nketia
The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has shifted more than 41,700 students onto computer-based examinations (CBE) this semester, more than double the fewer of 20,000 examined digitally last year.
The expansion positions KNUST as one of the leading universities in Ghana to adopt large-scale digital assessments.
The initiative, championed by Vice Chancellor Prof Rita Akosua Dickson, has also increased the number of courses delivered through CBE from 75 to 105. Eleven computer labs across campus have been converted into exam centres, while the Library Mall’s capacity has been boosted from 270 to 470 seats with additional computers.
To ensure inclusivity, KNUST has adopted a hybrid system where students may bring their own laptops under the BYOD model, while others benefit from the university’s SONSOL Project, which supplies devices to those in need.
Exams are run on a secure, locally hosted system with biometric verification, unique logins, randomised questions, and privacy screens to curb malpractice. Backup power systems, solar facilities, and standby generators have also been deployed to prevent disruptions.
Currently, nearly half of all KNUST exams are computer-based. The long-term target, according to management, is to migrate all common core courses onto the digital platform.
