Education authorities have renewed calls for strict compliance with examination regulations as the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) continues across Nigeria, with officials warning that malpractice could undermine the credibility of the country’s education system.
The warning was issued by the Commissioner for Education in Delta State, Dr. Rose Ezewu, who urged students, teachers, parents, and school administrators to maintain integrity throughout the examination process and avoid any form of malpractice.
According to the commissioner, examination malpractice remains one of the biggest threats facing Nigeria’s educational sector because it weakens academic standards, damages merit-based assessment systems, and promotes dishonesty among students.
She stressed that the government would not tolerate any activity capable of compromising the integrity and credibility of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) examinations.
The commissioner reportedly gave the warning during monitoring visits to examination centres across Delta State, where officials assessed compliance with examination guidelines and security arrangements.
During the inspection, she advised candidates to rely on hard work and proper preparation rather than attempting to engage in cheating or other dishonest practices.
She also reminded school authorities and invigilators of their responsibility to enforce examination rules strictly and ensure that examination centres remain free from illegal assistance or external interference.
Examination malpractice has remained a persistent challenge within Nigeria’s education system for decades.
Forms of malpractice commonly reported during national examinations include impersonation, leakage of question papers, use of electronic devices, collusion between candidates, and assistance from external agents often referred to as “special centres.”
Education stakeholders have repeatedly warned that the growing culture of exam fraud threatens the quality of graduates produced by the country’s schools and universities.
Analysts argue that widespread malpractice contributes to declining confidence in academic qualifications and weakens the competitiveness of Nigerian students in global educational and professional environments.
In recent years, examination bodies such as WAEC, the National Examinations Council (NECO), and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) have intensified efforts to curb malpractice through technological monitoring, biometric verification systems, stricter supervision, and collaboration with security agencies.
WAEC itself has continued introducing measures aimed at reducing question leakage and improving examination security nationwide.
Despite these interventions, authorities still record cases of malpractice during major examinations every year.
Education experts believe the persistence of the problem reflects broader systemic issues including inadequate preparation, societal pressure for academic success, poor learning environments, and overdependence on certificates rather than practical competence.
Some analysts also argue that parents and school owners sometimes contribute indirectly to the problem by prioritising examination results over genuine learning outcomes.
The commissioner therefore urged parents to discourage their children from seeking illegal assistance during examinations and instead encourage disciplined study habits and academic confidence.
She noted that students who engage in malpractice risk severe consequences including cancellation of results, disqualification, and long-term damage to their academic future.
Beyond the issue of discipline, the ongoing conversation around examination malpractice also raises broader concerns about the quality of Nigeria’s education system.
Many schools continue facing challenges such as overcrowded classrooms, shortage of qualified teachers, poor infrastructure, and inadequate learning materials, all of which affect students’ preparedness for examinations.
Experts argue that addressing malpractice effectively will require more than punishment alone.
According to education analysts, sustainable solutions must include stronger investment in teaching quality, improved student support systems, curriculum reform, and better learning conditions capable of promoting genuine academic confidence.
The issue has become even more important as Nigeria continues expanding access to higher education and increasing emphasis on digital learning and computer-based examinations.
Interestingly, the Federal Government recently announced plans for the National Examinations Council (NECO) to begin computer-based testing for objective examinations from 2026.
Analysts believe the transition may eventually help reduce certain forms of malpractice associated with traditional paper-based exams.
However, concerns remain regarding digital infrastructure, electricity supply, and access to technology in many parts of the country.
Meanwhile, security agencies and education authorities have continued monitoring examination centres nationwide to ensure compliance with WAEC regulations.
School administrators have also been urged to cooperate fully with officials and report any suspicious activities capable of compromising examination integrity.
For many students currently participating in the examinations, the commissioner’s warning serves as another reminder of the increasing scrutiny surrounding national examinations in Nigeria.
As competition for university admission and academic opportunities continues rising, education stakeholders say maintaining credibility within examination systems will remain essential for protecting both the value of certificates and the future of Nigerian education.
For now, authorities insist that success achieved through honest effort remains more valuable than results obtained through malpractice.
Source
Daily Post Nigeria
Tags
, Education, Delta State, WASSCE, Nigerian Schools