In a decisive move to combat examination malpractice and enhance the integrity of public examination systems, the Federal Government of Nigeria has directed all examination bodies to emboss candidates’ National Identification Number (NIN), Date of Birth (DoB), and photographs on their certificate results. This initiative aims to reduce identity theft and curb cheating among students.
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The directive was issued by the Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, during the inauguration of a special committee tasked with transitioning major examination bodies—including the West African Examination Council (WAEC), National Examination Council (NECO), and the National Business and Technical Examination Board (NABTEB)—from paper-based examinations to Computer-Based Tests (CBT) by 2027.
Addressing Examination Malpractice
Dr. Alausa highlighted the prevalence of examination malpractices such as cheating, impersonation, and question leakages, describing them as a persistent national embarrassment. He referenced Section 1 (2)(a) of the Examination Malpractice Act, Cap E15, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, which criminalizes such acts.
According to a recent study, the root causes of examination malpractice in Nigeria include:
- A flawed value system prioritizing certification over knowledge and skills.
- Laziness and inadequate preparation for examinations.
- Lack of self-confidence among students.
- Poor school facilities and infrastructure.
To tackle these issues, the minister declared a “war against examination malpractice,” emphasizing the importance of leveraging technology to improve examination standards.
Key Initiatives Announced
- Embedding Candidate Information on Certificates:
Certificates issued by WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, and similar bodies will now include:- National Identification Number (NIN).
- Date of Birth.
- Candidate’s photograph.
This measure aims to drastically reduce impersonation, identity theft, and falsification of results.
- Migration to Computer-Based Testing (CBT):
By 2027, all public examinations in Nigeria will transition fully from paper-based systems to CBT. The initiative is expected to enhance transparency, reduce errors, and minimize malpractice. - Formation of a Special Committee:
A special committee chaired by Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has been tasked with developing strategies for this migration. The committee is expected to submit its report by June 2025.
Minister’s Remarks
Speaking at the event, Dr. Alausa emphasized the importance of embedding candidates’ personal data on certificates, stating:
“This initiative will not only curb examination malpractice but will also restore the credibility of our education system. We must adopt technology-driven solutions to secure the future of Nigerian education.”
The minister also expressed concerns about the rising cases of examination leakages, calling for a united front among stakeholders to eliminate such practices.
Collaboration Among Stakeholders
The committee includes key representatives from education and technology sectors, tasked with:
- Designing a phased plan for transitioning to CBT.
- Proposing measures to eliminate examination malpractice.
- Enhancing the quality and security of examination processes.
Implications for Education and National Development
The introduction of NIN-embedded certificates and the shift to CBT are expected to:
- Strengthen Nigeria’s examination systems.
- Improve public confidence in educational certification.
- Align the country’s examination processes with global best practices.
- Contribute to a more skilled and knowledgeable workforce, ultimately boosting the economy.
Commitment to tackling long-standing challenges
The Nigerian government’s latest measures reflect its commitment to tackling long-standing challenges in the education sector. With the adoption of technology and stricter security measures, the country is poised to significantly reduce malpractice and enhance the credibility of its examination processes.