How Artificial Intelligence Is Forcing a Rethink of University Assessments

The rapid growth of artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT is transforming higher education around the world. Today, students can use AI to generate ideas, write essays, solve programming tasks, and even respond to exam questions within seconds. While these tools offer learning benefits, they have also raised serious concerns among lecturers.

Across universities, many educators now fear that traditional assessments especially take-home assignments and unsupervised tests no longer accurately reflect students’ true understanding. In response, a growing number of institutions are reconsidering how learning should be evaluated.

One approach gaining renewed attention is the oral examination.

Oral Examinations: An Old Method Making a Comeback

Oral exams are far from new. Long before written tests became common, students in ancient Greece and Rome demonstrated knowledge by explaining and defending ideas aloud. Prestigious institutions such as Oxford and Cambridge relied heavily on oral assessments until the 18th century.

Although written exams later became dominant, oral examinations never fully disappeared. Today, they are re-emerging not out of nostalgia, but as a practical response to AI-assisted cheating.

How Oral Exams Are Being Used in Modern Universities

In the United States, Professor Catherine Hartmann of the University of Wyoming conducts final exams as one-on-one conversations with her students. Each session lasts about 30 minutes, during which students respond to in-depth questions about the course material.

Hartmann openly discourages AI use, describing it as “bringing a forklift to the gym.” She explains that learning requires mental effort, just as physical strength requires lifting weights.

Although students initially felt anxious, many now prefer this approach. One student, Lily Leman, noted that it is nearly impossible to rely on AI during a live conversation. Similar oral-based assessments are now being tested in fields such as engineering, business, communication, and data science, with lecturers reporting deeper engagement and clearer evidence of learning.

Can Oral Exams Work in Nigerian Universities?

Nigeria’s university system presents unique challenges. In many public institutions, a single lecturer may handle hundreds or even thousands of students. Conducting lengthy oral exams for every student would clearly be unrealistic.

However, this does not mean oral assessments should be dismissed outright. Instead, selective and hybrid approaches could be adopted. For example:

• Oral exams could be limited to final-year students, project defenses, or postgraduate programmes
  
• Large classes could use random sampling, where only a portion of students are assessed orally
  
• Short oral sessions lasting five to ten minutes could reduce time pressure
  
• Panels, teaching assistants, or parallel assessment sessions could help manage workload
  

With thoughtful planning, Nigerian universities could adapt these methods to fit local realities.

Concerns About Students Who Struggle With Speaking

One common concern is fairness. Some students express themselves better in writing than verbally. Anxiety, speech difficulties, or cultural factors may affect performance during oral exams.

Supporters argue that oral assessments should focus on understanding, not eloquence. Lecturers can guide students with follow-up questions, allow pauses, and assess ideas rather than presentation style. Importantly, oral exams do not have to replace written tests entirely.

A blended assessment system, combining written exams with oral components, can balance fairness while improving academic integrity. Regular presentations, classroom discussions, and mock oral sessions can also help students build confidence over time.

Why Nigerian Universities Should Seriously Consider Oral Assessments

As AI tools become more sophisticated, traditional assignments are increasingly difficult to police. Lecturers often find themselves acting as investigators rather than educators, which creates tension and weakens trust between students and faculty.

Strategically used oral exams can ease this burden. They discourage shortcuts, promote genuine understanding, and help students develop communication skills valued beyond the classroom. Most importantly, they shift the focus back to learning rather than loopholes.

Conclusion: A Complement, Not a Replacement

Oral examinations are not a perfect solution. Large class sizes, limited staffing, and student diversity remain real challenges in Nigerian universities. However, completely ignoring this assessment method may be short-sighted.

In an era shaped by artificial intelligence, universities must rethink how learning is measured. When used thoughtfully alongside written tests, oral exams offer a practical and effective tool for protecting academic integrity and deepening student learning.