The Federal Government has announced a series of decisive measures to tackle the growing problem of exam malpractice. These reforms include linking every exam-related document to the candidate’s National Identification Number (NIN), installing CCTV cameras in exam centres, equipping invigilators with body cameras, and creating a dedicated Examination Malpractice Tribunal to fast-track offenders’ prosecution.
Committee Recommendations and Minister’s Remarks
A 17-member committee, led by Ishaq Oloyede, Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), spent five months crafting these proposals. Their report was recently handed over to Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, in Abuja. Praising the committee’s efforts, Alausa said, “These recommendations are designed to protect the sanctity of our examinations and safeguard the future of our children. If we don’t act now, the menace of exam malpractice will completely destroy our education system.”
Key Proposals to Curb Malpractice
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NIN Integration: Every certificate, registration form, and result slip must display the candidate’s NIN, photograph, and date of birth. This will make impersonation and identity fraud nearly impossible.
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Monitoring and Surveillance: CCTV cameras will be installed in all exam halls, each connected to a mini control room for real-time monitoring. In addition, invigilators on the ground will wear body cameras, serving as a strong deterrent against cheating.
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Personnel Accountability: All invigilators and supervisors must register using their NIN and official exam shortcodes (e.g., JAMB’s 55019/66019). This allows for easy tracking and verification of exam personnel.
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Invigilator Swapping Pilot: Starting with the 2025 private Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), invigilators and supervisors will be randomly assigned to different centres. This step aims to prevent local collusion, although students will still sit exams at their registered locations.
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Public Officer Involvement: Whenever possible, exam personnel should be public servants or pensionable staff to ensure higher accountability and reduce the chances of corruption.
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Strict Centre Standards: No waivers will be granted for facility requirements. Each candidate must have at least 1.8 square metres of space in the exam hall to minimize opportunities for cheating.
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Expanded Digital Exams: The committee advocates for an accelerated rollout of Computer-Based Examinations (CBE). Objective papers will go digital in 2025, with full implementation for all school candidates by 2026.
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Legal Framework: The Ministry of Education will work with the National Assembly to establish a dedicated Examination Malpractice Tribunal. They will also review and update the largely inactive 1999 Examination Malpractice Act to ensure stronger enforcement.
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Continuous Assessment Review: Since the current 30% Continuous Assessment (CA) component has been prone to corruption, relevant agencies are asked to reassess and strengthen this system to curb abuses.
Cracking Down on “Miracle Centres”
Minister Alausa strongly condemned the so-called “miracle centres”—venues set up solely to facilitate organized cheating. “Use your centres to teach, not to cheat. Do not mess up the future of our children,” he warned, urging operators to shift towards genuine educational services.
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