Nigerian technology entrepreneur, Oluwasegun Odesola, has emphasised the urgent need for digital solutions tailored to the specific operational realities of the country. He noted that relying on foreign models often leads to failure during critical periods.
“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,” Odesola stated.
This principle guided the unveiling of Eroidan, an AI powered computer based testing platform designed to address infrastructure deficits. The platform was introduced earlier this year as a locally built solution to the recurring disruptions caused by poor internet connectivity and unstable power supply.
Industry observers note that about 1.8 million Nigerian students take high stakes examinations annually. However, existing systems frequently falter under local conditions, resulting in lost answers and incomplete tests. Odesola, who is based in the United Kingdom and holds a master’s degree in Financial Technology from Teesside University, designed Eroidan with offline capabilities.
He explained that the platform allows examinations to continue without interruption if the internet fails. Answers are automatically saved on the student’s device while the timer remains active. Once connectivity is restored, the data synchronizes without any loss.
The developer traced the journey back to 2020 through his Abuja based firm, iQvistas Solutions. He had initially deployed a basic CBT platform for schools unable to afford commercial solutions. While it reduced assessment time by 65 per cent in two schools, it lacked advanced features.
“Every limitation of the first platform became a design requirement for the second,” he explained.
The new platform now offers AI driven analytics that identify learning gaps for individual students. It provides access to over 1,000 practice questions and mock examinations for candidates preparing for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination. Schools can deploy branded portals, automate grading, and send results to parents instantly. The platform also offers a free entry level plan, allowing institutions to adopt digital testing without upfront investment in hardware. Odesola has published research with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers focusing on artificial intelligence in education.
He criticized the reliance on platforms built for environments with stable power and fast internet.
“Most platforms were built for conditions that do not exist in most of Nigeria, such as stable power, fast internet, and modern devices. Eroidan was designed for the conditions that exist,” he concluded.
