Four students from the Political Science Department of Federal University Otuoke (FUO) have brought honor to the institution by emerging victorious in the recent nationwide Political Science Virtual Test, organized by Mobile Classroom App Limited. This competition, held on August 30, 2024, drew participants from universities across the country, testing their expertise in Political Science in a keenly contested event.

Samuel Esther Okele, a standout from FUO, claimed first place and a cash prize of 150,000 Naira for her remarkable performance. Another FUO student, Abraham Kemebradikumo Emmanuel, secured third place, receiving 80,000 Naira, while fellow students Emuejevoke Emmanuel and Felix David placed fifth and ninth, earning 50,000 Naira each.

This achievement further solidifies FUO’s reputation for cultivating exceptional talents in Political Science and underscores the institution’s commitment to academic excellence.

The initiative was spearheaded by Dr. Tokpo Coronation Edward, Senior Lecturer of the Political Science Department and Deputy Director of Academic Planning at FUO.

Representing Vice-Chancellor Professor Teddy Charles Adias, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Chris Chinemerem Onyema, during the award ceremony, held on October 2, 2024, at FUO’s Council Chambers,  expressed gratitude to the event sponsor, noting that the Mobile Classroom App is already a familiar tool at FUO, aiding students in their digital learning experience. He highlighted the potential of such platforms in fostering collaboration between universities and praised Dr. Edward’s initiative in organizing the Virtual Test. “FUO is proud to be associated with your work,” he said, adding that the university’s success in the test was a testament to its character and educational ethos.

Dr. Tokpo Coronation  Edward recounted how, in June 2024, Mr. Salami approached him to organize the Virtual Test for Political Science students across Nigeria. Despite initial challenges, Dr. Edward embraced the opportunity and delivered a lecture titled, “The Concepts and Theories of Development and Underdevelopment”, which was accessible globally via the app. This platform, he noted, serves as a lasting repository of academic resources, benefiting students long after their creation.

Mr. Akeem Salami, Founder and CEO of Mobile Classroom App Limited, lauded the participants for their enthusiasm and academic prowess. He emphasized the event’s role in promoting academic excellence through digital platforms.

Mr. Salami highlighted the Mobile Classroom App’s pivotal role in advancing e-learning in Nigeria, particularly during the COVID-19 lockdown. He drew a parallel to the music industry, where artists use platforms like iTunes and YouTube to reach global audiences, explaining that the app empowers educators in a similar way. Lecturers can upload personalized content, enabling students to access materials on-demand from anywhere.

“The goal is to universalize knowledge,” Mr. Salami stated. “A student in the USA can now learn from a lecturer at FUO. This was the vision behind the Virtual Test.”

The test followed a computer-based (CBT) format, allowing students to submit answers and receive results instantly. Although open to all programmes, only FUO’s Political Science students participated, with four out of eleven passing by the test’s conclusion on August 30, 2024.

The award ceremony was attended by notable FUO staff, including Professor Francis Oluleye, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences; Mrs. Benita Andabi Amangi-Edomo, the Registrar; Professor Felix Oriakhi, Head of the Department of Political Science; Dr. Juliet Tebeiowei, Dean of Students’ Affairs; and Dr. Tokpo Coronation Edward. Mr. Akeem Salami, sponsor of the Political Science Virtual Test and CEO of Mobile Classroom App Limited, were also present at the event.