The jinx is broken, what seemed impossible is now part of history. As a result of his burning desire to take LASU to the zenith of tertiary education in Nigeria and the world at large, Prof. Biodun Akinpelu was handed a second term as the Director, Centre for General Nigerian Studies (CGNS) . He was the Director before the appointment of Prof. Lanre Fagbohun as LASU VC in 2015. Having understood the wealth of experience and knowledge in possession of the professor ,the VC decided to retain the veteran director in the well sought position.
Barely two months into his second term in office, Prof. Akinpelu has continued his transformation of the Centre for General Nigerian Studies (CGNS) by introducing Computer Based Testing (CBT) for GNS examinations. This welcomed development is a first of its kind in the institution and is in line with the ” Digital LASU” movement of the Fagbohun- led administration. It is pertinent to mention that a series of tests has been conducted to determine the viability of the new mode of GNS examination and these have all been successful.
The CBT mode of examination has also been adopted by the Department of Science and Technology in the Faculty of Education. The aforementioned department is set to write its first computer based examination ( EST 305).
The road to success is neither smooth nor easy. A digital LASU was initially labelled an impossibility by some stakeholders ranging from some members of the management to students. Thankfully, all doubts have now been cleared.The initiative was initially termed a white elephant project that will consume a lot and yield little. The school, as proposed by some professionals, needed over 1000 computers to execute such project. Prof. Akinpelu surveyed the school terrain and made do with the available computers, which are now doing the magic. This action has helped to keep expenditure within the school’s budget.
The most astonishing of all is the _*brains behind the computers*_ the ICT personnel, who are now optimally utilized. These set of professionals have been there for decades with their know-how lying fallow. All thanks to Prof. He reignited their beliefs and reassured their competence.
Finally, for the students who have been clamouring for immediate release of their scores after the exercise, this may be impossible for now as it may have detrimental effects on some students who are yet to girt up their loins. I therefore hope to see improvements like this in all the departments of the institution. The development of LASU is my joy.
Congratulations to Prof. Biodun Akinpelu for a landmark achievement, congratulations to the VC and his unflinching team. Congratulations to LASU for the success.
To my colleagues writing examinations, I wish you success in your examinations. All the best!
_*.I’m…..*_
*Sijuade Olushola Samson (SOS)*
