FUNAAB Academic Staff Undergo DACIS Training for Digital Examination Systems

As the First Semester Examinations approach, the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has intensified efforts to strengthen its digital assessment processes through a targeted capacity-building workshop for Academic staff.

Held today, December 2, 2025, at the Laboratory 2 of the ICT Building, the training was organised by the Directorate of Academic Information Systems (DACIS) to enhance lecturers’ competence in authoring and managing computer-based examinations.

Speaking during the session, the Director, DACIS, Prof. Olusegun Folorunso, described assessments as a core academic responsibility, particularly after the completion of teaching. He noted that, with the University’s expanding student population and its transition to technology-driven assessment methods, the adoption of efficient question-authoring tools has become indispensable.

A major highlight of the workshop was the introduction of QPACKS, a digital tool used for preparing objective questions for FUNAAB’s e-Exam platform. Prof. Folorunso emphasised the need for lecturers to be familiar with such tools to ensure proper formatting and system compatibility.

According to him, the training was designed to make examination preparation easier for all Academic staff. “Whether they are new lecturers, experienced scholars, or professors, everyone needs to continually upgrade their knowledge of digital tools for examinations. What we are doing now is just the starting point, this will be a continuous process,” he stated.

Prof. Folorunsho explained that participants were nominated from various Departments to serve as representatives who would cascade the knowledge to their colleagues, given that it was impractical to gather all lecturers simultaneously due to ongoing academic activities.

He outlined the objectives of the QPACKS and Authoring Manager System to include: simplifying and automating the creation of course materials and assessments; standardising quality questions; improving efficiency in teaching and assessment delivery; enhancing digital learning content; enabling seamless integration with Learning Management Systems (LMS); supporting continuous assessment and timely feedback; facilitating collaboration among lecturers; and ensuring easy updating and long-term content management.

He further highlighted that QPACKS enhances question quality, saves preparation time, reduces errors, supports continuous assessment, and integrates easily with LMS platforms. Similarly, the Authoring Manager enhances course material development, encourages standard formats, improves content quality, supports collaboration, and promotes better student engagement.

Commenting on the mandate of DACIS to strengthen academic processes through effective information systems, Prof. Folorunso noted that “This is a capacity-building process for the entire University. We plan to sustain it, even into the next semester, to ensure continuous improvement in the use of digital authoring tools.”

The interactive session ended with renewed commitment by DACIS to explore further innovative solutions that would further enhance teaching, learning, and assessment at FUNAAB.