A group of students from the School of Nursing, Umuahia who took part in the cancelled 2023 Preliminary Training Session [pts] examination has expressed dissatisfaction over the decision of the Abia State Government to cancel the entire examination.
In a letter of redress presented by the students on Thursday, they plead with the state governor to consider the stress of re-wiring the PTS.
The Preliminary Training Examination results were cancelled by the Abia State Government and directed the school management to conduct a fresh examination with no additional cost on the students after reports and protest of alleged corruption and bribery in the examination process and results trended in the state.
The lamenting nursing students holds the view that even if the exam is written again, the school will only accommodate 75 students out of the total of 389 students.
“Prior to our enrolment into this institution, we were informed that despite our large number (389 students), only 75 students will be accepted and allowed to resume for the second semester. Even the director of nursing services (Mrs Nwakaego Onyeukwu) personally passed this information to us during the first semester prior to the exams.” The statement read.
The students pleaded for alternative measures to resolve the issue while also affirming that they are not scared of re-sit the examination but bothered over the limited number of 75 out of 395 that will be admitted based on the approved number of students to be accommodated.
“There are alternative measures in which this situation can be addressed and resolved while upholding the integrity and trust that the people and students have for the examination body and the government.
Also, According to the student handbook of the School of Nursing Umuahia, page 14 & 15 section 3.2 – 3.3.1, gave the conditions to pass this exam were clearly stated, saying, “the grades are separated by achievement level meaning 80-100% which is considered a distinction would be prioritised and you are required to merit all your courses” if the investigators in charge of this case were to look at the results they’ll confirm that all 75 students are meant to pass following the above written statement.”
Read full statement below:
His Excellency
Dr. Alex Otti .C (OFR)
The Executive Governor Of Abia State,
Government House, Umuahia
Your Excellency Sir,
LETTER OF REDRESSGood day, I’m sure our respectable leaders are doing just fine. I hope God will continue to guide us all.
This letter being written isn’t one we hoped to write, but due to the current situation, all students of school of nursing umuahia 2023A set that was successful in the recently conducted preliminary training session [pts] exam have decided to express our discontent and seek redress over the recent decision by the government executive to cancel the exams.
The PTS Exam, which is the first semester exam of the school of nursing, umuahia, is still like every other exam, which some will pass, and some will fail. That’s just reality. Prior to our enrolment into this institution, we were informed that despite our large number (389 students), only 75 students will be accepted and allowed to resume for the second semester. Even the director of nursing services (Mrs Nwakaego Onyeukwu) personally passed this information to us during the first semester prior to the exams
The decision to cancel this exam has been claimed to be an act of justice. But when did the meaning of justice change into letting the effort and hardwork of the 75 successful candidate that did their utmost best in preparation and writing the exam go in vain. Is it now justice to discard our voices and feelings on this matter because we did not mount a protest which is against nursing ethics?. How are the students that passed after so much effort look their parents in the eyes and say the exam was cancelled. Is this what we now call justice? The voice of those who protested for the cancellation was heard. Does that mean we that were successful will be neglected by the government?
There are alternative measures in which this situation can be addressed and resolved while upholding the integrity and trust that the people and students have for the examination body and the government.
More over, XYZ (the computer centre where the exams were held) is a popular and famous centre that is known for conducting many computerised tests (CBT), for example, jamb. XYZ has been used as a jamb centre for several years without loosing their accreditation as a jamb centre, which goes to show their level of credibility and experience in conducting CBT exams. If the result was claimed to be manipulated, then a request of the original scores from the XYZ server would be the fastest way to solve the issue and show that the claim was false.
Also, According to the student handbook of the School of Nursing umuahia page 14 & 15 section 3.2 – 3.3.1, the conditions to pass this exam were clearly stated, saying, “the grades are separated by achievement level meaning 80-100% which is considered a distinction would be prioritised and you are required to merit all your courses” if the investigators in charge of this case were to look at the results they’ll confirm that all 75 students are meant to pass following the above written statement. The committee should invite representative of both successful and failed students to ascertain the truth of this matter.
The mental and emotional toll that enforcing a rewrite of an exam that we all passed by merit is very large both on us and our parents/guardians. We all spent a lot to write this exam aside from school fees. Things like time and transport fare can never be refunded. Cancellation of this exam isn’t the best way to seek justice on behalf of we the students as a whole. We don’t think this decision was made with us in mind. Hence, the letter. Some students made accusations about some of the successful 75 buying their way in without being able to identify anyone that did such neither anyone money was paid to and yet this decision was still made.
The purpose of using a CBT exam for the first time in the history of SONUM was to ensure a free and fair exam for all while eliminating the possibility of manipulation which was successful because the answers submitted won’t touch any human hands until it was time for compling and posting of the result. We are sure both the invigilators present that day, and the XYZ officials can testify that the exam was conducted on the same standards as JAMB
In conclusion, we are seriously opposed to throwing away our hard work and effort by being forced to rewrite this exam. The second semester os still in session as time for lectures are being shortened while we debate an issue an issue which should have already been solved due to lack of evidence since it wasn’t true to begin with. The rest of the year is running busy, and this will seriously affect second semester performance negatively
We belive whole heartedly that the government will see that there’s another way to solve and dissolve this issue without disregarding anyone’s effort and upholding justice. Thank you.
Signed:
2023A set successful students.
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