Nigerian Researcher Unveils AI-Powered Exam Platform to Tackle Power and Connectivity Challenges
A Nigerian technology entrepreneur and Artificial Intelligence researcher, Oluwasegun Odesola, has launched a new computer-based testing platform specifically designed to address the persistent infrastructure challenges that disrupt students during examinations across Nigeria. The platform, named Eroidan, was introduced earlier this year as a locally built solution to the recurring problems caused by poor internet connectivity and unstable power supply in the country.
Addressing Critical Infrastructure Gaps
According to reports, over 1.8 million Nigerian students take high-stakes examinations annually, including those administered by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). However, unreliable systems often lead to interrupted sessions, lost answers, and incomplete tests, primarily because many platforms are not tailored to Nigeria's operating environment. Odesola, who is based in the United Kingdom, emphasized that Eroidan was developed from the ground up specifically for Nigerian conditions, rather than being adapted from foreign models.
A key feature of the platform is its offline capability, which allows examinations to continue without interruption even when internet connectivity fails. The developer explained that students' answers are automatically saved on their devices, and exam timers remain active. Once connectivity is restored, all data synchronizes seamlessly without any loss. "Most platforms were built for conditions that do not exist in most of Nigeria—stable power, fast internet, modern devices. Eroidan was designed for the conditions that exist," Odesola stated in a release provided to The Guardian.
Evolution from Basic to Advanced Platform
Odesola's journey into the education technology sector began in 2020 through his Abuja-based firm, iQvistas Solutions, where he created a basic computer-based testing platform for schools unable to afford commercial solutions. This initial system, adopted by two schools in Abuja, reportedly reduced assessment time by 65 percent, increased examination capacity, and significantly lowered costs. However, it lacked advanced features such as analytics, mock examination simulations, and offline functionality, limitations that ultimately inspired the development of Eroidan.
"Every limitation of the first platform became a design requirement for the second," he noted. The upgraded platform now serves both individual students and educational institutions. Students preparing for exams like the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), post-UTME, and common entrance tests have access to over 1,000 practice questions, mock examinations that simulate real test conditions, and an AI-driven system that identifies learning gaps and recommends study improvements.
Benefits for Schools and Students
For educational institutions, Eroidan offers branded examination portals, automated grading processes, and the ability to send results directly to parents on the same day. Additionally, the platform provides a free entry-level plan, enabling schools to adopt digital testing without upfront investment in hardware or technical personnel. Odesola highlighted that the AI features embedded in Eroidan stem directly from his research, focusing on identifying genuine learning gaps rather than superficial performance patterns.
"The research and the platform are the same work. I am building for the student sitting in a classroom where the generator just went off—who should not have to lose their exam because of it," he added. Odesola holds a master's degree in Financial Technology from Teesside University and has published research with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, concentrating on the role of artificial intelligence in education and its potential impact on student outcomes.
Industry Context and Future Implications
Industry observers point out that while Nigeria operates one of the largest university entrance examination systems globally, the supporting digital infrastructure has not kept pace. Many schools still rely on outdated computer-based testing systems that lack analytics, offer limited transparency for parents, and provide little insight into student performance trends. Eroidan aims to bridge this gap by offering a robust, locally adapted solution that enhances the examination experience and promotes educational equity.
This innovation represents a significant step forward in leveraging technology to overcome systemic challenges in Nigeria's education sector, potentially setting a precedent for other developing regions facing similar infrastructure issues.
