Nigerian Researcher Launches AI-Powered Exam Platform to Overcome Power and Connectivity Issues
A Nigerian technology entrepreneur and Artificial Intelligence researcher, Oluwasegun Odesola, has introduced a groundbreaking computer-based testing platform specifically engineered to address the persistent infrastructure challenges that plague students during examinations across Nigeria.
Addressing Nigeria's Unique Challenges
The platform, named Eroidan, represents a locally developed solution to the recurring disruptions caused by poor internet connectivity and unstable power supply that have long hampered digital examinations in the country. According to reports from The Guardian, over 1.8 million Nigerian students participate in high-stakes examinations annually, including those administered by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
Odesola, who is based in the United Kingdom, emphasized that Eroidan was built from the ground up specifically for Nigerian conditions rather than being adapted from foreign models. "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 statement provided to The Guardian.
Innovative Offline Capabilities
A key distinguishing feature of the platform is its robust offline functionality, which allows examinations to continue uninterrupted even when internet connectivity fails completely. The developer explained that students' answers are automatically saved on their devices while exam timers remain active throughout connectivity disruptions.
Once connectivity is restored, all data synchronizes seamlessly without any loss of information, ensuring that students' examination efforts are preserved regardless of infrastructure challenges.
Evolution from Basic Platform to Advanced Solution
Odesola's journey into the educational technology sector began in 2020 through his Abuja-based firm, iQvistas Solutions, where he initially developed a basic computer-based testing platform for schools unable to afford commercial solutions. This early system, adopted by two schools in Abuja, reportedly achieved significant improvements:
- Reduced assessment time by 65 percent
- Increased examination capacity substantially
- Lowered operational costs significantly
However, this initial version lacked advanced features such as comprehensive analytics, mock examination simulations, and offline functionality. "Every limitation of the first platform became a design requirement for the second," Odesola explained regarding the development of Eroidan.
Comprehensive Features for Students and Institutions
The upgraded Eroidan platform now serves both individual students and educational institutions with a comprehensive suite of features:
- For Students: Access to over 1,000 practice questions, mock examinations that simulate real test conditions, and an AI-driven system that identifies genuine learning gaps while recommending targeted study improvements for examinations like the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), post-UTME, and common entrance tests.
- For Institutions: Schools can deploy branded examination portals, automate grading processes, and send results directly to parents on the same day of examination. The platform also offers a free entry-level plan, allowing educational institutions to adopt digital testing without upfront investment in hardware or technical personnel.
AI-Driven Educational Insights
The artificial intelligence features embedded within Eroidan represent a direct application of Odesola's research, particularly in identifying authentic 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," the researcher emphasized.
Industry observers have noted that while Nigeria operates one of the largest university entrance examination systems globally, the supporting digital infrastructure has consistently failed to keep pace with demand. Many schools continue to rely on outdated computer-based testing systems that lack sophisticated analytics, offer limited transparency for parents, and provide minimal insight into student performance trends over time.
Academic Background and Research Foundation
Odesola holds a master's degree in Financial Technology from Teesside University and has published research with the prestigious Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, focusing specifically on the role of artificial intelligence in education and its potential impact on student outcomes. This academic foundation informs the sophisticated AI capabilities integrated into the Eroidan platform.
The development of Eroidan represents a significant advancement in educational technology tailored specifically to the Nigerian context, addressing both immediate infrastructure challenges and long-term educational improvement through data-driven insights.
