Thank you for this wonderful topic .
If I had the opportunity to change just one thing in the world, it would be to transform our entire examination system so that it becomes completely free of malpractice. This is my top choice because examination malpractice has eaten deep into the educational fabric, robbing generations of students of the true essence of learning and hard work. It is a major stumbling block to the development of not only individuals but also our communities and the nation at large.
Why I Want to Change Examination Malpractice.
Growing up in Olugwu, Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, and even during my interactions across different states from FCT Abuja to the 36 states in Nigeria, As an academic doctor,i have witnessed first-hand how examination malpractice has damaged the education sector. I have seen young, bright students become so comfortable with shortcuts that they no longer value hard work and honesty. Instead, they rely on cheating and bribery to pass exams, believing it to be the easiest route to success.
The consequences are devastating. Examination malpractice breeds a generation of half-baked doctors, engineers, lawyers, bankers, architects, and leaders who are not properly trained for their professions. Imagine being treated by a doctor who cheated through medical school or hiring an engineer who faked his way through exams. The dangers are enormous, both for individual lives and for national development.
Before discussing possible solutions, it is important to understand the various types of examination malpractice that plague our education system:
- Buying of Question Papers: Some students or their parents pay for question papers before the exams, giving them an unfair advantage.
- Use of “Miracle Centres”: unlike the the school below,Parents and students deliberately register for exams at centers notorious for aiding cheating. These centers allow students to collaborate freely, sometimes even letting invigilators or school staff provide answers.
- Use of Electronic Devices: Students sneak in phones, earpieces, and other gadgets to get answers during exams.
- Impersonation: Some pay others to sit exams on their behalf.
- Copying from Others: Copying directly from a seatmate during the exam.
- Smuggling Notes: Bringing unauthorized materials into the exam hall to cheat.
- Intimidation of Supervisors: Some schools or centers intimidate or bribe invigilators to ignore or assist malpractice.
I have the following points on how to Achieve an Examination System Free from Malpractice if the opportunity is given to me to be a minister of education in the world.
Strict Enforcement of Laws: Governments should strictly enforce existing laws against examination malpractice. Offenders—students, parents, teachers, and school owners—must face real consequences.
Community Sensitization: Parents and communities must be educated about the dangers of malpractice. They should understand that by encouraging cheating, they are setting their children up for failure in life.
Use of Technology: Introduce Computer-Based Testing (CBT) to reduce human interference and limit the chances of cheating.
Empowering Teachers and Invigilators: Proper training and motivation should be given to teachers and exam supervisors to resist bribes and intimidation.
Encouraging Honest Study Culture: Schools should emphasize moral education alongside academics. Reward honesty and hard work while punishing cheating.
Monitoring and Reporting: Encourage whistle-blowing mechanisms so that malpractice can be reported and dealt with swiftly.
Eliminating “Miracle Centres”: Ministry of Education and exam boards should crack down on these centers with zero tolerance.
I have the following points as positive Effects of a Malpractice-Free Examination System:
If examinations become completely free from malpractice, students will be forced to study and work hard to achieve their goals.
This will build their confidence and competence, making them better prepared for real-life challenges. We will produce competent professionals who can genuinely contribute to national development. Doctors will save lives with real skills, engineers will build safer structures, and leaders will govern with integrity.
Furthermore, eradicating examination malpractice will restore faith in our education system, attract investors, and help us compete favorably at the international level. Nigeria—and the world at large—would benefit from a more honest, hardworking, and innovative generation of leaders and workers.
At this point I want to say that
changing the mode of examination to be completely free from malpractice is not just an educational reform but a moral and societal transformation. It is a crucial step towards building a society where integrity, competence, and hard work are the pillars of success. By choosing to tackle this menace, I believe we would lay a strong foundation for a brighter future for every child in Nigeria and beyond.
Thank you for reading.we are catalysts.let us begin to change the systems