Special Examination Centres: Use, Motivations, and Perceived Effects on Later Academic Performance among Undergraduate Students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka

This study investigated the use, motivations and perceived effects of specialexamination centre on later academic performance among undergraduate studentsat the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The study was guided by four researchobjectives, and a cross-sectional research design was adopted. A simple randomsampling method by balloting and availability sampling techniques were used toselect 204 respondents. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Findings revealed that themajority (87%) of the students have utilized special examination centers, and this isevidence that the practice was widespread within the educational sector. It was alsofound that the primary motivation for students’ use of special examination centreswas to pass with minimal effort (51.0%). Others include lack of preparation (26.5%)and fear of failing regular exams (19.0%). Moreover, the impact on the lateracademic performance of undergraduate students was largely negative, with 51.0%stating that reliance on these centres led to a decline in performance over time.Based on the findings, the study recommended the implementation of awarenesscampaigns on the long-term consequences of special examination centres andexamination malpractice, encouraging a culture of academic integrity, strictermonitoring of examination centres, and the reinforcement of academic supportprograms to help students prepare adequately for examinations. Additionally,universities are encouraged to introduce stricter penalties for students involved insuch practices and promote integrity-driven assessment methods, such ascontinuous assessments and practical-based evaluations, to reduce overreliance onfinal examinations.