Review Online Exam System to benefit all students - GIJ SRC Executive to govt

Organizing Secretary of the Student Representative Council of the Ghana Institute of Journalism, Cedric Kekeli Afewu has reechoed concerns of students that the online examination system introduced in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic will leave a lot of people at a disadvantage due to a myriad of reasons.

He stated that, as good as an initiative that the systme is in these times, it should not be to the disadvantage of frontline workers who double as students, the less privilege who are finding it difficult to complete payment of fees and buying of data due to the halt of businesses, as well as people living in remote areas that don’t have access to good internet connections.

“Online is very good but let it benefit all not just a section of the students. I know mates who are frontline workers helping in this hard times, some students are at remote places with poor networks and some of them are finding it very difficult to complete payment of their fees and even buy data to access the internet at this crucial times that we all know money is very difficult to come by. Let’s consider all these people as well and make provisions for them before taking a firm decision on the online exams and online learning move.” He stated.

Cedric went on to say that “the SRC in GIJ has conducted a survey on students and the response will surprise you. The above concerns raised are just a few out of the survey conducted. A lot of people are at a disadvantage end.”

He pleads with the government to come to the aid of students who will be negatively affected and find alternatives to benefit them, especially students who cannot complete payment of their fees as a result of the crisis the world find itself in currently.

“Government can negotiate with the various schools to allow students who have not completed payment of fees with genuine reasons to be allowed to partake in the online exams as well.” He added.

Following the outbreak of COVID-19 in Ghana, schools all over the country have closed down.

However, as a way of mitigating the situation, the Ministry of Education in collaboration with its other institutions are ensuring a continuation of academic activities via the internet, especially at the tertiary level.