THE "MFODWO" MONSTER

THE “MFODWO” MONSTER.

The thought of an impending examination is so striking and startling that neither the core of the examinee’s heart nor the marrow of his or her bone is excluded from the jolting experience. After the many nightmares of what may or may not happen during the exams, alas ! the D-Day is here.

Examination, according to the Concise Oxford English Dictionary refers to “a formal test of knowledge or proficiency in a subject area or skill”. As defined above, it involves the determination of one’s dexterity in a specific area of study. How involving? One’s dexterity? I just remembered a chemistry master back then in the days when I was in High School ( or no Secondary School!) whose favourite expression was that nobody not even the so acclaimed scholar that you are seeing yourself can boast of being an arsenal of knowledge in any field of study. To him, a question pose on the area of study under consideration by someone out there has but one potency –to­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ expose your colossal ignoramus!
More often than not, people develop panic reactions towards examinations maybe due to the much dreadful stuff they had heard or perhaps the grandeur importance associated to such an activity. This runs through all levels of the educational system. Some examinees at times record the highest levels of their adrenalin readings during these times. Eheeeei? Undoubtedly, this unusual feeling has the tendency to lead to a psychological disorder that may be perilous if early and remarkable steps are not taken to terminate its continuity.

My experience of examination times on the campus of the nation’s Premier University, University of Ghana (‘Glory’) is really intriguing. The first half of every semester is really enjoyable for almost everyone with the introverts inclusive. The reason? Charlie, bey you know? Exam is far away! About six weeks to the end of the semester, the race starts with the “antisos” setting the pace for the imminent gruelling encounter. A week after this, the atmosphere is completely changed. How sudden? Reading places which hitherto were virtually empty start to fill to capacity. Interestingly enough, the ingenuity of my comrades come into play. New and “comfortable” reading centres like staircases (or no walkways!) are created. This tells you the seriousness that is attached to examinations. But this bring to fore the inadequate (too small) number of reading rooms on campus for our use. After forcing your way through a well packed entrance to a reading room which is about blowing up due to the over population, the more upsetting and enthralling the episode unravels.

Great minds are seen studying with the highest possible zeal. In fact, many are times when a person reaches his or her elastic limit and even about exceeding it hence about breaking after the next seconds but will not leave and relax for some few minutes outside. This may be accounted for by the thought of not getting a place again should s/he go out for a second and come back. All ‘sorts’ of behaviours are displayed during this time: yawning, sighing, stretching of arms and body, whispering, ‘shouting’ and many other attention-grabbing attitudes. Yes, thank you my memory! I just remembered a friend who after taking a course in abnormal behaviour started to “diagnose” some personality disorders among these people. Or was it a psychotic behaviour?

“Mfodwo” as it is affectionately called on campus (yes, affectionately because in this way it may extend some favours to us) is indeed fearful to many. Vandals can’t but go on a procession christened ““Mfodwo” Escort” with but one main reason: to rucksack the ‘monster’ from human neighbourhood. Can’t you grab the inkling from the songs used for the procession? So, are they also afraid after all?

After the frightful moments are over for some ‘fortunate’ students who happen to have their last paper taken before the official date for the end of the examinations, here comes the who is who contest. These students come to reading rooms with a lot of books numbering at least twenty per student and begin to depict those actions they did when the ‘monster’ was right before them and even exaggerate them. They do this even in the presence of those who still have the ‘monster’ to face. How annoying?

Is “Mfodwo” really a monster? Should it be continued as a way of evaluating learners? I will provide you with answers to these and many other bewildering related issues like the origin of the name “Mfodwo” for exams on my campus when we meet again. Until then, stay alert taking in recognition that prior preparation prevents poor performance and that prior preparation is the only way that leads to spectacular achievement despite it is unspectacular because the “Mfodwo” monster still reigns.

(This was an article written by the author for publication by the Legon Hall Mag of UG, 2009/10 edition)