By Abdulsalam Abimbola Farouk
Published on 12/08/2023
"Lost Opportunities and Unfortunate Oversight: A Tale of Exam Chaos"
During a crucial 3-unit course via mathematics and statistics department, I found myself in an unexpected predicament that resulted in an E grade. This unexpected turn of events was triggered by the negligence of the exam supervisor, casting a shadow of doubt over the fairness of the evaluation process.
The examination was initially scheduled to span 3 hours , a standard duration for a paper of this magnitude. Curiously, the course's lecturer was overseeing another examination hall nearby, leaving us under the watchful eye of a different supervisor. An hour and ten minutes into the exam, our appointed supervisor abruptly announced that we had a mere 20 minutes remaining to conclude the paper.
This announcement left the entire hall in disbelief. We collectively contested the decision, reminding the supervisor that the allotted time was intended to be 3 hours, as specified by the exam guidelines. However, our protests fell on deaf ears, as the supervisor remained adamant, arguing that the examination duration was only meant to be 1 hour and 30 minutes. This contradictory assertion baffled us, particularly as it contradicted the standard practice of allocating 2 hours for a 2-unit course in a mathematics and statistics department .
Despite our earnest pleas, the supervisor stood firm in their belief that our time had been exhausted. Succumbing to this unfortunate situation, we reluctantly submitted our incomplete papers. Personally, I was distraught; I had managed to answer only one and a half out of the 3 questions with many sub questions that were meant to be addressed.
The plot thickened when the supervisor visited the other examination hall, where fellow students were engaged in the same exam. Here, a pivotal revelation took place. The supervisor posed a question to the course's lecturer, inquiring about the intended duration of the paper. The lecturer confirmed that the exam was, indeed, meant to last for the full 3 hours.
Upon learning of this revelation, the supervisor was overcome with remorse and regret. He acknowledged his grave mistake and implored us to return to our exam papers and continue writing. However, he also acknowledged that reversing the submission process would be grossly unfair to those who had already submitted their work. Wrestling with his emotions, the supervisor left the hall in a state of turmoil.
In the aftermath of this chaotic turn of events, we were encouraged to accept the situation as a test of our patience and resilience, drawing strength from our shared faith. The supervisor, an esteemed Islamic scholar well-versed in Al-Sunnah, sought our forgiveness and vowed to address the matter with the course lecturer. Unfortunately, despite these efforts, no action was taken to rectify the situation.
The culmination of this tumultuous journey arrived with the release of our exam results. Remarkably, not a single student from our hall managed to secure a D grade. This outcome served as a testament to the disruptive nature of the incident and its profound impact on our performance.
In retrospect, the incident stands as a reminder of the unpredictability that can accompany even the most carefully planned academic endeavors. It is a narrative that underscores the importance of clear communication, adherence to established guidelines, and the resilience required to navigate unexpected challenges in the pursuit of knowledge and achievement.