ARE EXAMS REALLY NECESSARY?

Last week, I finally completed my second-semester exams, marking a significant milestone in my academic journey. As a 400L student, I'm now closer to finishing my university education, with just two more sessions to go.

However, I must admit that this exam period took a toll on me! The pressure to perform well was overwhelming, especially since I have someone who expects me to report my results. This got me thinking about the necessity of exams. Are they truly essential, or are they just a stressful tradition?

Especially in Nigerian universities where the lecturers do not care whether you understand the topic or not, and you have no choice but to read as if your life depends on it. 😪

One of my exams, from the college of engineering, was particularly challenging. I had to rely on grace to get through it! I can't even explain how I felt after writing the exam.

The CBT exams also left me feeling drained and exhausted. The stress was so much, and I'm not alone in this feeling. Many of my fellow students experienced anxiety, pressure, and many even fainted due to the exam format and environment.

There were few reasons that added to the frustration. Time constraint tops the list. With limited time to answer questions, we felt rushed and overwhelmed. The pressure to manage time effectively while maintaining accuracy was immense.

The computer - based format also posed its own challenges. Technical issues were encountered and particularly the software was strange so adapting to a new exam environment became stressful.

The stakes of the exams weighed heavily on us because it was too high and good grades are crucial for a good GPA. These made the exam a hard but to crack.

Lastly, the exam schedule and timing added to the stress. Multiple exams in a short period, with little time for preparation and rest, pushed us beyond limits.

I'm glad the stress is over for the main time

If you will agree with me,good exam scores are crucial for achieving academic success.
Tips that have helped me are:

• Attending classes regularly and participating actively.
• Taking detailed notes and reviewing them regularly.
• Practicing with past questions and mock tests.
• Forming study groups to collaborate and learn from peers.
• Managing time effectively.
• Staying calm and focused during tests and exams.

Despite the challenges, I believe some steps can be taken to reduce exam stress. Providing more time for exams, offering technical support, and promoting a more relaxed exam environment would go a long way in alleviating student anxiety.

Looking back, I can see some benefits to exams. They prepare us for the real world, where we'll be expected to apply our knowledge without guidance. Exams can be a form of training, teaching us to persevere and work hard. The sense of accomplishment when we pass is unbeatable and satisfying.

If only Nigerian lecturers will go easy on us in exams ,that will be so great 😅😅. But exams were never meant to be enjoyed anyways. It's a test of intelligence.

What are your thoughts on this? I'll be in the comment section.