Dragnet Solutions Pioneers Electronic/Biometric Scholarship Management Service In Nigeria

PRLog (Press Release) - Jan. 29, 2013 - In line with its promise to deliver top class innovative computer-based solutions across board, Dragnet Solutions, Nigeria’s foremost Computer-Based Testing and Talent Management firm, has added the Scholarship and Bursary Management Service (SBMS), Nigeria’s first electronic and biometric-based scholarship and bursary management solution,  to its bouquet of services.

In Mr. Ikazoboh’s words,SBMS would make the process more efficient and less time-consuming. “We intend to make the entire process of scholarship management more efficient for our clients, whether they are government institutions or corporate bodies. The data-based management process will be far easier to handle because we will electronically process the applications, which will eliminate the cumbersome task of physically handling application forms and reduce the turnaround time needed to shortlist qualified candidates irrespective of their number,” he stated.

Ikazoboh explained that the SBMS will also make the scholarship and bursary awards management a transparent process. “With the SBMS, incidences of multiple scholarship awards and ghost awards will be a thing of the past. The system will be transparent because we will employ biometric solutions for the identity of awardees. The combination of digital photo and finger print records using advanced finger print matching technology will ensure that the awardees cannot enter the system twice. The finger print records, as well as photo records, are tied to the awardees’ profile at the database level and that makes the entire system credible.”

Going further, Ikazoboh reiterated that the SBMS will make provision for computer-based-testing in instances where the award process is merit-based. “Where the scholarship or bursary award is merit-based, the SBMS will provide a solution which delivers tests/assessments to the candidates using our network of computer based examination centres that deliver instant results. The beauty of the system is that the tests could be administered in the test system or the candidates can take it in the comfort of their homes. The SBMS also operates an integrated SMS/Email communication system that enhances the notification and feedback mechanism,” he noted.

While calling on the private and public sector to buy into the product, Ikazoboh pointed out that some multinational companies in Nigeria have already started utilizing it to manage their scholarship and bursary requirements. “As we speak,SBMS has already kicked off in many places. Reputed multinational companies, including the MTN Foundation, Agip (NAOC), Chevron and ExxonMobil are going the SBM way. Currently,we are discussing with some other companies, with the aim of bringing them onboard,” he concluded.