The Power of Quizzing: A Pathway to Deeper Learning in Nigeria

For students across Nigeria, assessments often bring feelings of anxiety and dread. Annual exams carry immense pressure, with the results determining admission to top secondary schools and universities. However, a growing body of research shows that incorporating frequent quizzing as a learning strategy can reduce academic stress while improving knowledge retention.

At its core, the act of retrieving information reinforces it more deeply in our brains than simply re-reading notes or listening passively. This is known as the "retrieval practice" or "testing effect." Each time we are prompted to recall a concept from memory, we strengthen its neural pathways.

Dr. Adeola Adegoke, an educational psychologist at the University of Ibadan, attests to the cognitive benefits. "When we quiz ourselves, we're creating robust knowledge representations that become more resistant to forgetting over time," she explains.

Beyond reinforcing memory, quizzing helps students identify gaps in their understanding. Those challenging moments when we momentarily draw a blank point to topics we need to revisit and solidify. This awareness allows for more efficient, targeted studying.

Low-stakes "retrieval practice" activities have been shown to produce better learning outcomes than re-studying alone. In one study at Covenant University, students who took weekly quizzes performed 25% better on final exams than peers who simply reviewed course materials.

Quizzing is a powerful tool because it elevates learners from passive knowledge consumers to active participants. Instead of rote memorization, retrieving information requires effortful recall - triggering processing that leads to more durable conceptual learning.

Christopher Ekong, an undergraduate at the University of Lagos, was initially skeptical about frequent quizzing but noticed a shift after implementing it regularly. "At first, I found the process grueling, but over time I started remembering concepts more vividly and for longer. My mindset changed from short-term cramming to developing long-term mastery."

While quizzing shows immense promise, its implementation across Nigerian classrooms remains a hurdle. In many regions, educator reliance on traditional lecture formats combined with large class sizes creates barriers. However, the growth of digital learning platforms provides new opportunities for seamless integration of embedded quizzes adapted to various teaching environments.

At Lango EdTech, an e-learning startup in Lagos, founder Aisha Suleiman sees quizzing as a key component of their pedagogical model. "We're using low-stakes questioning not just for assessments, but as a core learning activity. We've seen real improvements in comprehension and engagement from our students."

As more evidence highlights the cognitive benefits of retrieval practice, a case grows for making quizzing a more prominent educational fixture across Nigeria. Used not as high-stakes examinations, but as continuous learning tools, quizzes can help students more deeply internalize concepts while reducing the anxiety associated with assessments. By transforming the quiz into a pathway of growth rather than judgement, we empower the next generation to become more confident, self-regulated learners.