History and Solutions to Examination Malpractice
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 till today. It was during the West African Examination Council (WAEC) exams of that year that it became full blown when exam body discovered leakage.
In 1977, another full-blown examination malpractice was discovered during WASSCE. Since then this obnoxious act has escalated and a thing some students can’t do without at all level of education in Nigeria.
Different kind of punitive measures have been introduced to curb examination malpractice, but it persists. 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 Examination Malpractice
In order to provide solutions to malpractice, there must be a joint effort by the government, parents, teachers, and even the students to put an end it.
Some of the suggested solutions are listed below
- The government should adequately fund education in Nigeria
- Quality teachers should be employed to 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 encourage 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 interest, skills, and abilities.
- Parent train their children to be independent and have self-confidence from their 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/ability rather they should be guided and supported.
- Students should not see failure as fatal but a pathway to success. Once a child fails an exam, he should be encouraged to re-sit and to prepare adequately to pass
Recommended: Causes and Effect of Malpractice