Connect with us

News

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

Published

4 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

2027: Former 44 Local Government Speakers During Ganduje’s Tenure, Malam Takai Endorse Senator Barau as Kano APC Gubernatorial Candidate

Published

5 hours ago

on

December 12, 2025

By

 

The Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has confirmed that a forum of former local government speakers in Kano State, who served during the tenure of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, have formally endorsed him as the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 elections.

Senator Barau disclosed this while receiving the delegation, led by Hon. Shuaibu Haruna Gamarya, Chairman of the forum, at his office in the National Assembly, Abuja. He described their visit as a demonstration of unity and commitment to the progress of Kano State.

According to Senator Barau, the delegation, comprising 32 former House Leaders, came with a clear and united message of support. He explained that the group not only declared total backing for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term bid but also adopted him as the APC gubernatorial candidate for Kano in 2027.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Hon. Shuaibu Haruna Gamarya said the forum had overwhelming confidence in Senator Barau’s leadership. He described him as “a senator for all, who, irrespective of constituency, offers support for the well-being and development of Kano State and its people.” Gamarya added: “You are our gubernatorial candidate and governor come May 29, 2027, Insha Allah.”

Advert

The forum’s Secretary, Hon. Usman Muazu Garin Malam, reaffirmed their grassroots commitment, stating: “We, the house leaders, hereby support President Tinubu’s second-term bid and endorse you as the sole APC gubernatorial candidate. All we need is your support, and we will mobilise the grassroots for you.”

Former Speaker of Tofa LGA, Hon. Shehu Halilu, highlighted Senator Barau’s developmental projects across communities. He said: “The bridge you built in our village is saving lives. Your interventions touch women, men, children, farmers, and teachers everywhere. This is why we want you as the next governor of Kano.”

Halilu subsequently moved a motion for the formal adoption of Senator Barau’s candidature for 2027. The motion was seconded by Hon. Sunusi Abdu, former leader of Garko LGA, who declared: “Anybody that is against you is an enemy of Kano and an enemy of APC. That person is also against President Tinubu.”

Alhaji Salihu Sagir Takai, coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative in Kano, also lent his voice to the endorsement. He urged party members and stakeholders to work together for APC’s victory in the state, saying: “Choosing Senator Barau as Governor is the best decision for Kano, and promoting his candidature is a duty for all lovers of our state.”

In his remarks, Senator Barau expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah and thanked the forum for their courage, unity, and unwavering belief in Kano’s future. He reminded them of the shared responsibility to restore Kano to its rightful place as a centre of commerce, education, industry, good governance, and social progress.

“With dedication, sincerity, and unity of purpose, we will build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Kano,” Senator Barau said, praying for Allah’s guidance and success in the journey ahead.

 

Continue Reading

News

Kano Bans Unauthorized Hisbah Groups, Outlaws ‘Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi’

Published

6 hours ago

on

December 12, 2025

By

 

The Kano State Government has issued a sweeping executive order banning the formation and operation of any unauthorized Hisbah-like groups, particularly targeting a self-styled body known as the “Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi.

 

The order, titled “Kano State Government (Prohibition of the Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi) Order 2025,” was signed by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and publicly read by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, during a press briefing

 

 

He said the executive order draws its authority from Section 5(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which vests executive powers in the state governor, including the responsibility to maintain public order and enforce state laws.

 

The Commissioner said government expressed deep concern over the emergence of individuals and groups who have been “undertaking recruitment, mobilization and organisation of persons into a body described as ‘Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi’, without lawful authority and in contravention of the Laws of Kano State.”

Advert

According to the order, Waiya added, such activities amount to the creation of “parallel, unauthorised enforcement structures within the State,” which the government deems “an unlawful act capable of disturbing the peace” and undermining the statutory functions of the Kano State Hisbah Board.

 

He maintained that the order unequivocally declares that “the formation of Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi is unlawful and it is prohibited from operating or carrying out any activity in the state.”

Reinforcing the exclusive mandate of the Kano State Hisbah Board, the government emphasized that it “shall remain the sole legally recognized institution in the State” for coordinating Hisbah-related functions. Any impersonation of the Board’s authority, uniforms, symbols, or activities is now officially prohibited.

 

He pointed out that the order further directs all relevant security agencies including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to investigate the organisers and sponsors of the outlawed group, halt all related activities, and take lawful measures to prevent any breach of peace.

 

In a stern warning to the public, Commissioner Waiya explained that “participation in, support for, or affiliation with the Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi constitutes violation of the laws of Kano State.” Individuals who have already been recruited or approached for recruitment are urged to “disengage immediately and report to the nearest Security Agencies Division, Hisbah Office or Local Government Authority.”

 

According to him also, violators of the order face prosecution under applicable laws for offences including unlawful assembly, impersonation of lawful authorities, and the establishment of unauthorized enforcement groups. The term “Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi” is broadly defined to include “any group, unit, committee, movement or body organised for the purpose of performing Hisbah-like enforcement functions outside the statutory Hisbah Board.”

 

“The executive order takes immediate effect and is to be gazetted by the Kano State Government Printer. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf signed the order on December 8, 2025, marking a significant step in the state’s efforts to centralize religious enforcement under lawful authority and prevent the rise of parallel vigilante structures

Continue Reading

News

Supreme Court Nullifies Tinubu’s Pardon, Restores Maryam Sanda’s Death Sentence

Published

12 hours ago

on

December 12, 2025

By

 

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

 

Nigeria’s Supreme Court has set aside the presidential pardon granted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Maryam Sanda, the Abuja woman convicted of killing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, during a domestic dispute.

In 2020, the Federal Capital Territory High Court sentenced Sanda to death by hanging, a verdict later upheld by the Court of Appeal in Abuja.

Advert

In contrast, President Tinubu had subsequently commuted the sentence to 12 years’ imprisonment on compassionate grounds.

However, in a narrow 4–1 judgment delivered on December 12, 2025, the Supreme Court restored the initial death sentence. The apex court dismissed Sanda’s final appeal, ruling that it lacked merit and failed to undermine the findings of the lower courts.

Reading the lead judgment, Justice Moore Adumein held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, establishing that Sanda unlawfully caused the death of her husband.

He described the presidential pardon as an inappropriate exercise of executive power, particularly because the clemency was issued while the appeal process in a homicide case was still ongoing.

Continue Reading

Trending