University Don Decries Rising Rate Of Examination Malpractice In Nigeria

By; ADAMA JOHN, Lokoja

A University Don, Professor Rafiu Ademola Olatoye has decried the menace of examination malpractice that has assumed an escalating standard in all tiers of education in recent years.

Professor Ademola however, lamented that this trend that was negligible in the distant past, has assumed a centre stage in all sectors of education to the detriment of academic standards in the country.

The Dean of the Faculty of Education observed the downward trend in education in Lokoja midweek, while presenting a lecture at the 29th inaugural lecture at the Federal University Lokoja.

“Over the years, examination malpractice has escalated to alarming proportions within the educational system.

“Practices that were once considered unthinkable have now become increasingly common and, in some cases, normalized.

“This disturbing trend is one of the driving forces behind the growing advocacy for Computer-Based Testing (CBT) by education policymakers, who view it as a potential strategy to curb the menace.

According to him, examination malpractice not only undermines the integrity of the educational system, it also poses a serious threat to national development.

He highlighted some of the consequences of the practice to include eroding meritocracy, discouraging hard work, and shortchanging of genuinely brilliant students especially when competing for admission and other academic opportunities.

To him, ” If left unchecked, it will continue to compromise the quality of education and the competence of future professionals”.

He recommended the creation and maintenance of a conducive study environment both at school and at home as a practical strategy for improving students’ psychosocial profiles.

Others include the strengthening of internal motivation, fostering a positive attitude toward schooling, and promoting effective study habits that could significantly reduce students’ inclination toward examination malpractice.

“Teachers and school administrators should complement the effort of the school counseling by discussing with the students both in groups and individually on the need for effective study habit, hard work and interest in learning as secrets of success in examinations.

“Furthermore, seminars and special talks on principles of passing examination without tears should be organized regularly while students should be warned on the danger of examination malpractices,” he suggested.