Factors Affecting Students’ Participation in Online Examinations in Polytechnics in Ogun State, South West Nigeria

This study investigates the factors that affect students' participation in online examinations in polytechnics in Ogun State, South West Nigeria. Online examinations represent a significant shift from paper-based assessment and come with unique logistical, technical, and behavioural challenges. The study employs a descriptive survey design, sampling 280 Higher National Diploma students from Gateway Polytechnic Saapade and Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Ojere. A structured questionnaire assessed technical, environmental, psychological, and institutional factors influencing online examination participation. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and factor analysis. Results identify four dominant factor clusters: infrastructure limitations (poor internet access, device unavailability), institutional support gaps (inadequate examination technical support, unclear instructions), psychological anxiety (fear of technical failure, unfamiliarity with the platform), and academic integrity concerns (perceived ease of cheating). Over 55 percent of students reported experiencing at least one technical failure during a prior online examination. The study recommends that polytechnics establish dedicated examination support centres with backup connectivity, conduct orientation sessions before each examination season, and adopt proctoring tools to manage integrity concerns. Keywords: online examinations, student participation, polytechnics, Ogun State, assessment technology