The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, has urged the National Examination Council (NECO) to address the issue of examination malpractices. During a courtesy visit by the new Southwest Zonal Director of the examination body, Mrs Deborah Fukop, the monarch emphasized the importance of collaboration between the traditional institution and NECO to enhance operational efficiency in the zone.
Oba Balogun, in a press statement released through his Personal Assistant (Media), Oladele Ogunsola, expressed concern about the alarming rate of examination malpractices and emphasized the essential role played by NECO in determining admissions into higher institutions across the country.
The monarch stated, “The future of this country lies in your hands. The Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSSCE) conducted by NECO is a prerequisite for admission into our tertiary institutions. As such, it is imperative that you prioritize combating this menace.”
The monarch commended the efforts made by NECO thus far in sanctioning schools and individuals involved in malpractice but urged them to do more to safeguard the future of Nigeria.
In response, Mrs Deborah Fukop acknowledged the monarch’s concerns and clarified that the primary responsibility for combatting examination malpractices lies with the supervisors, who are teachers, rather than with the council. She emphasized that while measures are in place to detect and prevent malpractice, the system can be compromised if supervisors fail to uphold integrity.
Fukop stated, “We are aware of the observations made by our esteemed father and we are committed to our important role. However, it is important to note that we only conduct examinations; the execution is the responsibility of our supervisors, who are teachers. We take action against schools and individuals found guilty of malpractice, as Your Imperial Majesty has rightly remarked.”
The zonal director called for collaboration among all stakeholders to uphold integrity in the examination system, emphasizing that compromising the system is a crime against the country. She expressed gratitude to the monarch for his support and pledged to uphold the core values of NECO to achieve the vision and mission of the organization.
