Connect with us

News

Special Report :Examination Malpractice: Why, Who Is to Be Blamed, and What Is the Way Out ?

Published

7 months ago

on

 

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Examination malpractice a term that has become synonymous with irresponsibility and dishonesty in our society has manifested in various scenarios and for different reasons.

Unlike some crimes that often have accomplices justifying them, examination malpractice rarely sees its practitioners attempt to justify it. Ironically, it is one of the fastest-growing issues in our educational system.

Any action in an examination center that outrightly violates the stipulated rules and regulations for conducting an examination is referred to as examination malpractice.

In a bid to uncover the myth behind this practice, students, educationists, and like minds were engaged by Nigerian Tracker correspondent Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa. Below are their responses:

 

Educationists and Students React

While defining examination malpractice in the context of today’s educational system, seasoned educationist Engr. Abdulsalam Ojochogwu Adejoh posited:

“Introducing into an examination anything that is foreign to the examination rules, principles, and instructions as stated by the examiner will be considered examination malpractice.”

He also noted that malpractice is not only restricted to what happens during the examination or within the venue, but it also extends beyond the examination itself:

“In fact, examination malpractice goes beyond the examination hall,” Engr. Adejoh emphasized.

“Sometimes, even after students have written an examination, they meet teachers and bribe them to escape failure. That also constitutes examination malpractice,” he added.

He further outlined some causes of such practices: lack of preparation before an examination, forgetfulness of what one has read, and lack of discipline.

Although not all teachers are guilty, the educationist criticized the indiscipline of some who encourage malpractice at various levels of education:

“Well, in some cases not all some teachers are complicit in examination malpractice.”

“Such teachers would not be able to say ‘No, don’t do this’ to students caught in the act because they have been compromised.”

Busari Ahmad Bolakale, a final-year accounting student, also stated that anything that goes against examination ethics is considered malpractice:

“Examinations have ethics and a structure of conduct according to the body overseeing them. So anything that goes against these is automatically malpractice.”

He explained that malpractice can take several forms:

“It could be through oral communication among students during exams, the use of electronic or digital devices, or even sneaking in papers.”

He also disclosed that teachers sometimes become accomplices when they have personal relationships with students:

“Some teachers often overlook malpractice when it involves students they share a relationship with.”

Advert

Peter Zacham Nayan, a 300-level Veterinary Medicine student, commented on the role schools play in curbing malpractice:

“Schools are putting in a lot of effort to eradicate examination malpractice despite setbacks from some teachers and parents who undermine the struggle.”

He elaborated:

“Some teachers help their favorite students before and even after examinations to get marks they didn’t earn.”

“Parents often threaten school management when their wards are punished for engaging in malpractice. These actions undermine the schools’ efforts.”

Aliyu A. Kasim, a 300-level Nursing student, offered a different perspective. He argued that poverty and unemployment are key reasons students engage in malpractice:

“Some students fend for themselves. The struggle to make a living and sponsor themselves through school leaves little time to study. When exams come, they resort to malpractice.”

“Also, some feel that even a first-class degree doesn’t guarantee a job. So the motivation to study hard isn’t there. They prefer to cheat and pass rather than study.”

Blessing Timothy Pwanemasa, also a Veterinary Medicine student, noted that lecturers warn students against bringing phones or gadgets into the exam hall:

“Lecturers usually warn us not to bring phones or gadgets that could implicate us. They advise us to leave them in our hostels before coming to the exam venue.”

She added that check-in exercises and seating arrangements help curb malpractice.

Mohammed Rashidat Nasir emphasized that many students read but forget what they studied:

“Some students have comprehension problems. They read but forget what they studied once in the exam hall.”

“While some engage in malpractice due to laziness, others do so because of a lack of confidence and fear of failure.”

 

What Could Be the Remedy?

Engr. Abdulsalam recommended that schools train their teaching staff and enforce strict punishment for offenders:

“Schools must train their staff regularly so they are acquainted with modern educational tools.”

“Students must be educated on what examination malpractice is, the harm it causes, and why it must be avoided.”

“There should be strict supervision to prevent communication or copying, even when students have the same questions.”

“Strict disciplinary actions and compliance must be enforced for students found guilty.”

Mr. Ahmad Busari expressed optimism that if schools focus on teaching students properly, malpractice will be curbed:

“If schools teach students to acquire knowledge in a structured way and examine them based on what they’ve learned, it will help eradicate malpractice.”

In contrast, Mohammed Rashidat Nasir argued that examinations should not be conducted at all:

“I strongly recommend that examinations should not be conducted.”

“Examinations are not the best way to test students’ brilliance or intelligence.”

She believes the pressure to prove brilliance in the exam hall drives students to cheat.

Mr. Peter suggested that schools should reduce class sizes:

“Admitting fewer students per class would make supervision during exams easier and more effective.”

Mr. Aliyu proposed that the government initiate programs to alleviate poverty and create jobs:

“If students see the benefits of studying hard and passing without cheating, fewer will engage in malpractice.”

“The government should create an enabling environment that rewards academic integrity.”

Miss Blessing recommended sensitizing students on personal values:

“Students should be sensitized on the virtues of responsibility, accountability, and fear of God. That way, examination malpractice will be reduced to the barest minimum.”

 

In summary, the government, parents, teachers, and students all share responsibility for examination malpractice. Therefore, efforts to curb it must come from each of these groups.

Related Topics:

News

Governor Dauda Lawal Defects to APC After Stakeholder Consultations

Published

1 day ago

on

March 9, 2026

By

 

The Zamfara State Government has announced that Governor Dauda Lawal has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), following what officials described as “extensive consultations with stakeholders, political leaders, elders, and supporters across the state.” This was contained in a statement signed by Nuhu Salihu Anka, Director General, Media and Communication, Office of the Governor.

According to the statement, Governor Lawal’s decision was driven by the overriding interest of stability, progress, and sustainable development in Zamfara State. “After careful consideration, His Excellency has decided to formally defect to the APC,” Anka said, noting that the move followed prolonged internal crises within the PDP at both national and state levels.

The government explained that unresolved leadership disagreements and structural challenges in the PDP had created uncertainty and distractions that threatened effective governance. “These challenges have continued to hinder the delivery of democratic dividends to the people of Zamfara State,” the statement emphasized.

Governor Lawal reiterated that his primary responsibility remains the peace, security, and development of Zamfara State. “It became necessary to align with a political platform that provides greater unity, stability, and stronger cooperation with the Federal Government,” Anka quoted the governor as saying.

Advert

The statement further revealed that the final deliberation leading to the defection was held at the Government House in Gusau, under the coordination of the Deputy Governor, alongside senior government officials and key political stakeholders. “This was a collective decision reached after wide consultations,” Anka explained.

Governor Lawal expressed appreciation to PDP members and supporters for their cooperation over the years. However, he noted that the prevailing political realities and unresolved crises within the party made it necessary to take what he described as “a bold step in the interest of good governance and the future of Zamfara State.”

By joining the APC, the governor reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening unity, improving security, accelerating development, and ensuring that Zamfara State benefits fully from stronger collaboration with the Federal Government. “This is a new political phase aimed at promoting unity, stability, and development,” Anka stated.

The government therefore called on citizens, political leaders, party supporters, and stakeholders to remain calm and supportive. “We urge everyone to embrace this transition peacefully as Zamfara enters a new chapter of political cooperation and progress,”

 

Continue Reading

News

Petrol Price Surge to Deepen Cost-of-Living Crisis as Dangote Refinery Hikes Rates Again

Published

1 day ago

on

March 9, 2026

By

 

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The financial burden on Nigerian consumers is set to intensify following a sharp increase in petrol prices by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, marking the third adjustment in less than a week.

Effective Monday, the refinery raised the gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, to ₦1,175 per litre. This represents a significant jump of ₦180, or approximately 18.1%, from the ₦995 per litre price announced just last Friday. In a parallel move, the gantry price of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) was also revised upward to ₦1,620 per litre.

Confirming the development to our correspondent, a senior official at the refinery, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on public commentary, stated that the changes have been formally communicated to marketers and depot operators.

“Yes, the gantry prices have been adjusted. PMS is now ₦1,175 per litre while Automotive Gas Oil is ₦1,620 per litre,” the official said. “The market has been extremely volatile, and replacement costs have shifted significantly in recent days. These adjustments reflect prevailing market fundamentals and the cost environment we are currently operating in.”

Advert

Data from the industry pricing platform, petroleumprice.ng, confirmed that the revised rates have been integrated into depot pricing systems nationwide, effectively resetting the benchmark for downstream marketers.

This latest surge—which has seen gantry prices climb from ₦774 to over ₦1,175 in a matter of days—is already translating to higher costs at the pump. Retail outlets in several states are now selling petrol for approximately ₦1,200 per litre, adding another layer of economic strain on households and businesses.

The increase is expected to trigger a fresh wave of price adjustments across the country. Higher fuel costs invariably lead to increased expenses for transportation, logistics, and production, costs that are typically passed on to consumers. This dynamic threatens to exacerbate Nigeria’s already high cost of living.

The price hikes underscore the challenges facing the Federal Government’s efforts to stabilize the downstream sector. Through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, the government has been working to secure crude oil supply for the Dangote refinery via third-party international traders in a bid to sustain local refining and, ultimately, moderate prices.

However, officials caution that these interventions may not yield immediate relief for consumers. As the 650,000-barrel-per-day Lekki-based refinery adjusts its prices in response to volatile market realities, Nigerians are left grappling with the immediate consequences of a deregulated market where pump prices are increasingly subject to global and local market forces.

Continue Reading

News

ADVERT:KANO STATE PRIMARY HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT BOARD IMMUNIZATION PLUS AND MALARIA PROGRESS BY ACCELERATING COVERAGE AND TRANSFORMING SERVICES (IMPACT PROJECT)

Published

1 day ago

on

March 9, 2026

By

KANO STATE PRIMARY HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT BOARD
IMMUNIZATION PLUS AND MALARIA PROGRESS BY ACCELERATING COVERAGE AND TRANSFORMING SERVICES (IMPACT PROJECT)

CREDIT NO. IDA-65390

Request for Bids – Goods

Procurement of 44 Nos. Ultrasound Scan Machines for 44 Secondary Facilities in Kano State.

NG-KANO MPA-536529-GO-RFB

Date of Issue: March 9, 2026

1. The Kano State Government through the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has received a credit from the International Development Association toward the cost of the Immunization Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT), Project and intends to apply part of the proceeds of this credit to payments under the Contract for the Procurement of 44 Nos. Ultrasound Scan Machines for 44 Secondary Facilities in Kano State.

2. The Kano State Immunization Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT), Project now invites sealed bids from eligible and qualified bidders for the Procurement of the following:

Item No.
Description / Identification of Items
Qty
Bid Security
Delivery Period
Location(s)

 

Procurement of 44 Nos. Ultrasound Scan Machines for 44 Secondary Facilities in Kano State.

NG-KANO MPA-536529-GO-RFB
44
₦19,700,000.00
90 days
Immunization Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT), Project, State PIU Office, Na’ibawa Zaria Road, Opposite Gidan Fiat, Kano State

Advert

Bidding Procedures
3. Bidding will be conducted through National Competitive Bidding using Request for Bids (RfB) as specified in the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” Procurement in Investment Projects Financing” November 2020 (“Procurement Regulations”) available on www.worldbank.org/procure and is open to all Bidders as defined in the Procurement Regulations. In addition, please refers to paragraphs 3.14 to 3.17 in the “Procurement Regulation” on the conflict of interest.

Invitation
4. Interested and eligible bidders may obtain further information from the State Project Manager, Kano State IMPACT Project, and inspect/obtain the bidding documents at the address below, between 9.00 am to 4.00 pm Mondays to Fridays, except on public holidays.

5. Qualifications requirements include:

The Bidder should demonstrate that it has successfully completed the supply/installation of a minimum of 30 (Thirty) Ultrasound Scan Machine within the last 5 (five) years.”
Audited financial statements for the last three (3) years, to demonstrate the financial capability of the Bidder in terms of Profitability and adequate working capital,
Registration with Professional organizations/Licenses to sell Medical Equipment in Nigeria.
Company Registration,
Certified Manufacturers Authorization,
Evidence of after-sales services in Nigeria

A margin of preference for eligible national contractors shall not apply; Additional details are provided in the Bidding Documents.

6. A complete set of Bidding Documents in English may be purchased by interested bidders on the submission of a written Application to the address below and upon payment of a non-refundable fee of ₦ 100,000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira only). The payment method will be a Bank Draft in favour of the Kano State IMPACT Project. The Bidding Documents will be collected by the representative of the Bidder or by courier services on request, which shall be at the bidder’s cost.

7. Bids must be delivered to the address below at 11:00 am local time on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Electronic bid submissions will not be accepted; Late bids will be rejected. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives, who choose to attend in person at the address below 11:00 am local time on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. All bids must be accompanied by a Bid Security of ₦19,700,000.00 in local currency or an equivalent amount in a freely convertible currency.

8. The address referred to above is:

The State Project Manager,
State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU),
Kano State Immunization Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT), Project,
Address: Na’ibawa Zaria Road, Opposite Gidan Fiat, P.M.B 3295, Kano State.
Telephone: +234 803 530 7255 / +234 806 558 1226
Email address: piukanoimpactproject@gmail.com

Continue Reading

Trending