The origin or history of examination malpractice in Nigeria dates as far back as the early 70s. In those years it was referred to as expo “70”, a name that is still common among students today. It was during the West African Examination Council (WAEC) exams of that year that it became full-blown when the exam body discovered leakage.
In 1977, another full-blown examination malpractice was discovered during WASSCE. Since then this obnoxious act has escalated and is a thing some students can’t do without at all levels of education in Nigeria.
Different kinds of punitive measures have been introduced to curb examination malpractice, but it persist. It is even worrisome that students are now surfing the internet to look for WAEC expo, NECO expo, etc. This kind of attitude shows that the quality of education in Nigeria has dropped as a result of this act.
Solutions
To provide solutions to malpractice, there must be a joint effort by the government, parents, teachers, and even the students to put an end to it.
Some of the suggested solutions are listed below
- The government should adequately fund education in Nigeria
- Quality teachers should be employed in schools in the state, i.e., qualified teachers who are trained to do the work. Also, teachers should be well motivated, encouraged to attend seminars, and regularly sent on refresher courses.
- Disrupted academic calendars due to incessant strikes should strictly be resolved.
- Reading culture should be imbibed in students. This act can be achieved if libraries are built in major cities and towns in the country.
- Supervisors and invigilators should be well rewarded and encouraged not to compromise their job
- Priority should be given to technical and vocational education
- Students should be admitted to senior secondary schools based on their interests, skills, and abilities.
- Parent train their children to be independent and have self-confidence from an early age in life
- Teachers and parents should discourage unhealthy competition among students. Education is no race or a do-or-die affair.
- Children should not be forced to offer courses against their interests/abilities rather they should be guided and supported.
- Students should not see failure as fatal but as a pathway to success. Once a child fails an exam, he should be encouraged to re-sit and prepare adequately to pass
Recommended: Causes and Effect of Malpractice
