Comprehension: Dangers of Examination Malpractice

          Examination malpractice has different meanings and understanding to various people around the world but it is generally agreed that examination malpractice is any aid, gesture, material, etc. given or brought into the examination hall that goes against the examination rules and regulations. This could be in the form of talking and spying another person’s work in an examination hall. Over the years, this malpractice has taken the form of any illegal and unauthorised assistance given to a candidate or student in an examination.

          Examination malpractice in Nigeria has attained a frightening level and has been institutionalised. Thus, this trend becomes manifest right from home, where parents who are aware of their children’s academic weaknesses, pay huge sums of money to see that their wards pass every examination instead of encouraging hard work. Other parents go as far as threatening teachers who refuse to help their children.

          Schools at all levels, primary, secondary and university are not left out of examination malpractice. Teachers assist students during main examinations in order to boost the prestige of their school. Principals and proprietors also go as far as settling corrupt officials of examining bodies to pass their students. For these reasons, students no longer study and are often distracted by television and technology, thereby, descending to the level of importing foreign objects or microchips into the examination venue or giraffing to copy other students’ work.

          The effects of examination malpractice are numerous and negative. It does not make students appreciate the dignity of labour. Students that grow up with the mentality that money can buy their way out of any taxing endeavour will never understand the dignity in labour. Apart from this, the standard of education in a country is reduced. Half-baked graduates are produced and ignorance grows and enslaves the people. The future is bleak as those who are supposed to steer the wheel of progress of the country are swimming in the pool of ignorance and corruption.

          All hope is not lost however, all hands must be on deck to check this menace called examination malpractice. First, our homes must teach dignity and honour to children. Religious institutions must preach hard work and fear of God. The societyThe term society is derived from the Latin word 'socius' meaning friendship or companionship. Society is a community, nation or group of people who share the same traditions, institutions, rules and... More must stand against examination malpractice in any form. The government and non-governmental agencies should award scholarships to hardworking and honest students. The fight against examination malpractice is not a one-man fight. All must come together to say No to this menace.

Adapted from Desert Herald, by Lawal Hadijatu, University of Maiduguri, January 20th, 2013.