CIPM’s virtual exams face backlash for technical failures, with students calling for EFCC to investigate potential fraud over repeated exam issues.
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) is facing severe backlash due to its recurring failures in conducting virtual exams.
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Since transitioning from physical to virtual exams in 2020, following the COVID-19 pandemic, students have reported numerous technical issues that have caused widespread frustration, anxiety, and financial loss.
Despite warnings from stakeholders that CIPM lacked the infrastructure to handle virtual exams, the institute moved forward with its decision, resulting in continuous challenges.
CIPM’s introduction of virtual exams initially aimed to simplify the process and increase frequency, expanding from two to four exam sessions per year.
While students accepted this change, paying the increased fees for registration and exams, many were met with disappointment as technical failures marred their exam experience.
Candidates reported being unable to log in to the exam portal, despite several attempts. In numerous cases, the system failed to register their credentials, rendering them unable to access the platform and complete the exam.
In the latest round of exams conducted on 13 September 2024, hundreds of students encountered login failures, with some unable to take their exams even hours after the scheduled start time.
CIPM, however, deflected responsibility, attributing the issues to technical failures from Dragnet, the IT company contracted to administer the exams.
Despite Dragnet’s claims of providing cutting-edge technology, their technical support team was largely unresponsive, further aggravating the situation.
Frustrated candidates were left calling helplines that went unanswered or were told there was no solution.
Many students were subjected to immense psychological stress, especially working professionals who needed the certification for career advancement.
One candidate described the ordeal as “inhumane,” expressing concern over the exam’s disorganisation.
The delay in access led to further problems, such as those who managed to log in sharing questions with those who had not yet taken the exam, thus compromising the exam’s integrity.
Further complicating the issue, students who failed to log in or complete their exams were marked as failed, despite the fault lying with CIPM and Dragnet.
This meant they were forced to re-register and pay the exam fees again, leading to accusations of exploitation.
This repeated cycle of failure has prompted calls for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate CIPM for obtaining fees under false pretences.
Students argue that CIPM’s insistence on a system that does not work is fraudulent, as they are paying for a service the institute fails to deliver.
A candidate shared their frustration, stating, “We pay for these exams, prepare ourselves mentally and physically, only to be denied access due to technical failures. Yet, we are the ones being penalised with resits and extra fees. This is not just incompetence; this feels like extortion.”
Many students are urging CIPM to revert to physical exams, which had a track record of success prior to 2020.
They argue that while virtual exams may reduce CIPM’s operational costs, they have come at the expense of students’ mental health, finances, and professional aspirations.
Some candidates have reported that the continued failures of CIPM’s virtual exams are damaging the institute’s reputation, with the public and HR professionals questioning its credibility.
The repeated failures also raise questions about CIPM’s engagement with Dragnet, the IT firm responsible for conducting the exams.
Candidates have expressed doubts over the transparency of the partnership, suggesting that Dragnet may not be providing adequate services, while CIPM continues to profit.
As one candidate put it, “If CIPM cannot ensure a seamless exam experience, they should either find a more capable partner or return to the physical exams that worked. It feels like the institute is prioritising profits over its responsibility to students.”
Many students are now demanding action from CIPM, with some even calling for an EFCC investigation into the matter.
As CIPM remains silent on potential reforms, the frustration among candidates grows, with many feeling exploited by a system designed to fail them.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator and a recipient of the D9112 Superstar Icon Award, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
