Evaluating the perception and satisfaction of the Computer-Based Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (CA-OSCE) on nursing students in the general nursing examination by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria

Background: The transition from traditional paper-based assessments to computer-based formats in nursing education has sparked significant interest in evaluating their effectiveness and acceptance among students. Methods: This study investigates the perceptions and experiences of 265 nursing students across various institutions in Northern Nigeria who participated in the first complete computer-based licensing examination organized by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN). Utilizing a cross-sectional design, data were collected through online questionnaires assessing satisfaction, perceived fairness, validity, ease of use, and anxiety levels associated with the newly implemented Computer-Assisted Objective Structured Clinical Examination (CA-OSCE). Results: The study indicated that while 40% of respondents expressed high satisfaction with the CA-OSCE, challenges such as technical glitches and anxiety due to time pressure were prevalent. Notably, 73% of students perceived the CA-OSCE as a fair assessment of their clinical abilities, and 67% felt it effectively showcased their knowledge and skills. However, anxiety levels were significant, with 81.1% of students reporting varying degrees of anxiety during the examination. Conclusion: The findings highlight the potential benefits of CA-OSCE in enhancing assessment quality while also underscoring the need for addressing technical and operational challenges to improve student experiences. This study provides critical baseline data for future research and recommendations for the NMCN to refine the CA-OSCE process, ensuring it meets the educational needs of nursing students in resource-limited settings.