A Nigerian technology entrepreneur and Artificial Intelligence (AI) researcher, Oluwasegun Odesola, has unveiled a new computer-based testing platform designed to address persistent infrastructure challenges affecting students during examinations across the country.

The platform, known as Eroidan, was introduced earlier this year as a locally built solution to the recurring disruptions caused by poor internet connectivity and unstable power supply in Nigeria.

The Guardian reports that over 1.8 million Nigerian students take high-stakes examinations each year, including those conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). However, unreliable systems often result in interrupted sessions, lost answers, and incomplete tests, largely due to platforms not designed for Nigeria’s operating environment.

Odesola, who is based in the United Kingdom, said Eroidan was built from the ground up specifically for Nigerian conditions, rather than adapted from foreign models.

A key feature of the platform is its offline capability, which allows examinations to continue uninterrupted even when internet connectivity fails.

According to the developer, students’ answers are automatically saved on their devices, while exam timers remain active. He explained that once connectivity is restored, all data synchronises without loss.

“Most platforms were built for conditions that do not exist in most of Nigeria — stable power, fast internet, modern devices. Eroidan was designed for the conditions that exist,” Odesola said in a statement made available to The Guardian.

Industry observers note that while Nigeria operates one of the largest university entrance examination systems globally, the supporting digital infrastructure has not kept pace.

Many schools still rely on outdated computer-based testing systems that lack analytics, offer limited transparency for parents, and provide little insight into student performance trends.

Odesola’s foray into the sector began in 2020 through his Abuja-based firm, iQvistas Solutions, where he developed a basic CBT platform for schools unable to afford commercial solutions. The system, adopted by two schools in Abuja, reportedly reduced assessment time by 65 per cent, increased examination capacity, and lowered costs significantly.

However, the initial version lacked advanced features such as analytics, mock examination simulations, and offline functionality; limitations that eventually led to the development of Eroidan.

“Every limitation of the first platform became a design requirement for the second,” he explained.

The upgraded platform now caters to both individual students and educational institutions.

The researcher pointed out that students preparing for examinations like Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), post-UTME, and common entrance tests have access to over 1,000 practice questions, mock examinations that simulate real test conditions, and an AI-driven system that identifies learning gaps and recommends study improvements.

He explained that schools can deploy branded examination portals, automate grading processes, and send results directly to parents on the same day, adding that the platform also offers a free entry-level plan, allowing institutions to adopt digital testing without upfront investment in hardware or technical personnel.

The developer noted that the AI features embedded in Eroidan are a direct application of his research, particularly in identifying genuine learning gaps rather than superficial performance patterns.

“The research and the platform are the same work. I am building for the student sitting in a classroom where the generator just went off — who should not have to lose their exam because of it,” he added.

Odesola holds a master’s degree in Financial Technology from Teesside University and has published research with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, focusing on the role of artificial intelligence in education and its potential impact on student outcomes.