The Federal Government has cautioned parents, teachers, school proprietors, principals, invigilators and students against examination malpractice, warning that the practice is damaging the credibility of Nigeria’s education system.
The government said it is introducing stronger measures to protect the integrity of examinations and ensure that academic results accurately reflect students’ knowledge, preparation and abilities.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Ikharo Attah, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, said the measures are part of efforts to strengthen examination integrity in line with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving standards across the education sector.
Attah said Alausa gave the warning during a meeting with the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) and other key stakeholders in the education sector.
According to the minister, examination malpractice has become increasingly entrenched and has created an unfair advantage for candidates who do not prepare honestly.
He noted that the practice not only distorts results but also disadvantages hard-working students and undermines confidence in the qualifications awarded by the nation’s education system.
FG Calls for Collective Action
Alausa stressed that combating examination malpractice requires the involvement of everyone within the education system.
He noted that students are not the only participants in examination malpractice and urged parents, teachers, proprietors, principals, invigilators and other stakeholders to take responsibility for maintaining examination standards.
The minister called on schools and families to uphold examination rules, provide students with a conducive learning environment and discourage any practice that gives candidates unfair access to examination materials.
He said the Federal Government is strengthening examination administration to make public examinations more secure and ensure that results are based on genuine learning and academic merit.
According to Alausa, the measures form part of the broader education reforms of the Tinubu administration, which are designed to raise standards, improve accountability and restore confidence in Nigeria’s examination system.
Minister Explains Impact of Stronger Exam Controls
Meanwhile, Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, appealed to private school proprietors and other education stakeholders to support the ongoing reforms.
Ahmad acknowledged that tighter examination controls could initially reveal weaknesses in the actual preparation of some students.
She explained that some students who perform strongly in their schools’ internal examinations may have become accustomed to gaining access to leaked questions before external examinations. As a result, they may struggle when such opportunities are removed.
The minister said the introduction of serialised examination questions would make it more difficult for students to rely on leaked materials and encourage genuine preparation.
She urged schools to ensure that their curricula are completed on time and to promote regular study habits among students.
Ahmad also assured private education stakeholders that the Ministry of Education would continue to engage with and support them as the reforms are implemented.
She said the ultimate objective is to ensure that examination results serve as a reliable reflection of students’ knowledge, skills and abilities.
