The Federal Government has reaffirmed its determination to overhaul Nigeria’s examination system, with a firm commitment to eradicating malpractice and promoting academic integrity. Speaking during the formal presentation of the interim report by the Special Committee on Examination Reforms, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, described examination malpractice as a “cancer” eroding the foundations of the country’s education sector.
“Examination malpractice is a cancer eating deep into the foundation of our education system. It not only devalues merit but sabotages the future of our nation,” Dr. Alausa said.
Central to the Ministry’s reform agenda is the proposed transition to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) across all national examination bodies, including the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO). The initiative is aimed at enhancing transparency, reducing human interference, and curbing irregularities during examinations.
Dr. Alausa also announced plans to introduce a rotation system for examination supervisors to prevent familiarity and reduce collusion at examination centres. He assured stakeholders that the Ministry is committed to fully and swiftly implementing the committee’s recommendations.
“Our goal is clear: to eliminate corruption within the education sector and promote merit-based achievement,” the Minister affirmed.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, stressed the importance of a comprehensive, multi-dimensional approach to restoring credibility in the assessment process.
“Curbing examination malpractice is non-negotiable. Without integrity in assessment, excellence in education remains a mirage,” she said.
The Chairman of the Special Committee, Professor Ishaq Oloyede Olaranwaju, commended the Ministry’s leadership and support. He highlighted key elements of the interim report, including:
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Increased student accountability
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Reform of continuous assessment structures
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Installation of CCTV cameras in exam centres
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Elimination of unqualified invigilators
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Enhanced monitoring protocols and supervision standards
Professor Oloyede noted that the committee would submit a supplementary report within two weeks, which would further explore structural challenges and offer operational solutions.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Mr. Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, described examination malpractice as both a national disgrace and a form of corruption, urging that it be treated with the seriousness it deserves.
“Exam malpractice is not just academic misconduct—it is a national disgrace. We must treat it with the urgency and seriousness it demands,” Enitan declared.
He also called for the launch of a national sensitization campaign to raise public awareness on the dangers of academic dishonesty and galvanize nationwide support for examination reforms.
The event marked a critical step in the Ministry’s broader agenda to entrench merit, integrity, and accountability across Nigeria’s educational landscape.
Elijah Adeyemi
