Summary: Exercises (page 202)

Examination malpractice in Nigeria has risen to a frightening proportion. It is sophisticated and institutionalized. Efforts by government administrations and stakeholders in the educational sector to curtail the ugly trend have not yielded any fruit.

                   Examination malpractice has long graduated from the normal “gyraffing” at neighbour’s work, using key points, notes or textbooks or copying on sheets of paper referred to as micro-chips, copying on desks also known as “desktop publishing” to more advanced and more organized systems of buying questions from examination bodies or corrupt bank officials entrusted with the safe-keeping of the examination question papers. Also, syndicates have been able to arrange “special” centres for “special” candidates they enrol for the examination with the connivance of examination bodies for the easy flow of malpractice. These MIRACLE centres enjoy the patronage of some corrupt school administrators and examination officers. Examination malpractice thrives in a corrupt 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 which indicates that it is a reflection of the society. It is in the mind of the people therefore, it can only be tackled in the mind.

                   To effectively fight this war against examination malpractice, all the agents of socialization must participate actively. Parents/guardians must deliberately discourage their children/wards from further participation in the act by stopping the financing of examination malpractice for them. They must encourage their children to study harder instead. Examination bodies must totally dissociate themselves from the activities of malpractice syndicates and stop special centres. They should mete appropriate sanctions on offenders without fear of intimidation. Remunerationmoney paid or financial compensation for work or a service. More for examination supervisors and invigilators should be reviewed and such remuneration should be promptly paid to prevent them from being tempted to get involved in the rather lucrative “business” of examination malpractice. The government and its agencies should henceforth stop handling cases of examination malpractice with kid gloves. The law should not recognize sacred cows. Anyone caught cheating should be made to face the music irrespective of status or connections.

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