In a bid to combat growing concerns over examination malpractice, the Federal Government of Nigeria has proposed the establishment of a National Examination Malpractice Court/Tribunal. This move aims to ensure prompt prosecution of infractions, thereby serving as a deterrent to potential offenders. The proposal was made by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, while receiving a committee report on improving the quality of examinations in the country.
The report, submitted by a 17-man committee headed by Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, Registrar of the Joint Administrations and Matriculation Board (JAMB), outlined 12 key recommendations to enhance the integrity of the examination system. Dr. Alausa assured the committee that all recommendations would be implemented, emphasizing the government’s commitment to fighting examination malpractice. “We will implement every single one of them,” he stated, adding that the measures are practicable and will be acted upon immediately where possible.
One of the critical recommendations is the inclusion of the National Identification Number (NIN), photograph, and date of birth on certificates, registration, and result slips to prevent identity theft and impersonation. Additionally, invigilators and supervisors will be required to register using their NIN and subscribe to the examination body’s Short Code, similar to the pattern used by JAMB. This move is designed to provide full information about examination officials and track their activities.
Other recommendations include the use of stationary CCTV cameras in examination halls and centers for surveillance, as well as the deployment of body camcorders for effective monitoring. The committee also suggested that every pupil generate a unique code linked to their NIN at the point of entry into basic school, which will be used to identify them throughout their educational journey in Nigeria.
The proposal to establish a National Examination Malpractice Court/Tribunal is a significant step towards addressing the menace of examination malpractice in Nigeria. The committee’s recommendations aim to introduce transparency, accountability, and efficiency into the examination system, thereby improving its overall quality. By implementing these measures, the government hopes to reduce the incidence of examination malpractice and promote a culture of integrity and fairness in the education sector.
The committee’s recommendations also include a review of the 1999 Examination Malpractice Act, which has not been implemented effectively. The proposed review aims to make the Act more implementable and effective in curbing examination malpractice. Furthermore, the committee recommended the immediate review of the Continuous Assessment System, which has been prone to corruption, and the implementation of Computer-Based Examinations (CBE) for objective questions starting from 2025.
The Federal Government’s commitment to implementing these recommendations is a welcome development in the quest to restore the integrity of the examination system in Nigeria. By taking these bold steps, the government aims to ensure that the education sector is freed from the scourge of examination malpractice, and that students are assessed fairly and transparently. This move is expected to have a positive impact on the quality of education in Nigeria, and will likely be closely watched by stakeholders in the education sector and beyond.
