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

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5 months ago

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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.”

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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.

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Shock as Hoodlums Kill NSCDC Officer on Duty

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5 hours ago

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January 3, 2026

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There was an outrage in Kano on Friday following the killing of a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) volunteer, Abdurrauf Sheriff, who was allegedly stabbed to death by suspected hoodlums while on official duty.

The fatal incident occurred along Gyadi Gyadi Court Road, where the volunteer was reportedly carrying out his assigned responsibilities before he was attacked the hoodlums on the night of New year celebration by Kano State Governor.

Confirming the development in a statement, the Kano State Command of the NSCDC strongly condemned the killing, describing it as a violent and unacceptable act against a personnel lawfully discharging his duty.

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The statement, issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Abdullahi, disclosed that four suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident.

“The Command wishes to inform the general public that four suspects were arrested with dangerous weapons including a hacksaw, Danbida and drugs. They are currently in custody and assisting security agencies with investigations to ensure that justice is served,” Abdullahi stated.

Reacting to the tragic loss, the State Commandant of the NSCDC in Kano, Commandant Mohammed Hassan Agalama, expressed heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and reassured residents of the Corps’ commitment to maintaining security across the state.

He further emphasized the NSCDC’s resolve to collaborate with other security agencies to combat criminal activities and protect lives and property.

According to the statement, preliminary findings have classified the incident as culpable homicide, and the case will be transferred to the Nigerian Police for further investigation and prosecution.

The Command also appealed to members of the public to remain calm and continue to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information to aid crime-fighting efforts in the state.

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Special Advisers’ Forum Endorses Governor Yusuf’s Political Moves

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8 hours ago

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January 3, 2026

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The Special Advisers’ Forum in Kano State has formally endorsed the political direction of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, describing his leadership as pivotal to the peace and progress of the state. Dr. Idris Salisu Rogo, Secretary of the Forum, made this known while addressing journalists in Kano.

Dr. Rogo explained that politics is inherently dynamic, with varying opinions, alignments, and perspectives forming a natural part of democratic society. He stressed that, despite these differences, the Forum believes political engagement must be guided by mutual respect, maturity, decorum, and a shared commitment to the stability of Kano State.

According to Dr. Rogo, the Forum is urging all political actors, appointees, party members, supporters, and the general public to exercise restraint in their statements and actions. He warned that the use of inflammatory language, personal attacks, threats, or the disclosure of private communications undermines public trust and distracts from governance. He added that Kano State has a commendable history of political awareness and civility that must be preserved.

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Dr. Rogo emphasized that Governor Yusuf, as the Executive Governor of Kano State, holds ultimate authority over political direction and decision-making. He noted that the Forum affirms its unwavering loyalty and alignment with any political decisions taken by the Governor in the interest of the state and its citizens.

The Forum, according to Dr. Rogo, has pledged collective support to the Governor as he continues his efforts toward good governance, people-focused policies, infrastructural development, social welfare initiatives, and reforms that positively impact residents. He maintained that the progress achieved across key sectors under Yusuf’s leadership is evident and deserves protection and consolidation.

Dr. Rogo further called on stakeholders to prioritize the interests of Kano State above personal feelings or political rivalries. He said unity within government and respect among political actors are vital for stability, effective governance, and the realization of the administration’s vision.

Dr. Rogo stated that the Special Advisers’ Forum remains committed to fostering dialogue, internal cohesion, and responsible communication in support of Governor Yusuf’s leadership and the overarching development agenda for Kano State.

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BUK Vice Chancellor Applauds Alumni ’92 for Decade of Support, Outlines Strategic Growth Path

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11 hours ago

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January 3, 2026

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The Vice Chancellor of Bayero University Kano (BUK), Professor Haruna Musa, has commended the BUK Class of 1992 for its “uninterrupted 10-year tradition” of philanthropy.

Speaking at the group’s 33rd Anniversary dinner and 10th reunion, Professor Musa celebrated a fresh ₦5 million donation from the alumni to the university’s Indigent Students’ Account, noting that such partnerships are vital to the university’s strategic growth.

The Vice Chancellor outlined an ambitious vision to propel BUK into the top 500 universities globally. He highlighted the institution’s impressive trajectory in the 2026 World University Rankings by Times Higher Education, which ranked BUK as the 3rd best university in Nigeria and the premier university in Northern Nigeria.

To address operational challenges, Professor Musa announced significant advancements in infrastructure and energy independence. The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has commenced a 3.5-megawatt solar plant upgrade, with plans to scale capacity to six megawatts. Furthermore, in collaboration with the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, the university has secured a site for the construction of 500 housing units for staff.

The Vice Chancellor also reaffirmed a zero-tolerance policy toward cultism and examination malpractice. He specifically flagged the misuse of ICT facilities as a new frontier for academic dishonesty and directed the university management to sensitize students on the ethical use of technology.

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Innovative Student Welfare Initiatives
To bridge funding gaps for less privileged students, the university will officially launch a university-wide endowment fund in 2026 under the chairmanship of Professor Attahiru Jega. The University Senate has also adopted a resolution to grant automatic suspension of studies for students unable to afford registration fees, ensuring they do not drop out entirely. Students are encouraged to utilize the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and take up part-time campus jobs.

The Chairman of the BUK ’92 Forum, Muhammad Dahiru Sa’ad, highlighted that the forum has spent the last decade providing medical outreach to hospitals, supporting widows of late colleagues, and assisting former lecturers. He specifically noted that the group recently facilitated the return of several medical students who had been suspended due to unpaid fees.

Chairman Sa’ad also praised the Vice Chancellor for securing strategic MOUs, including a ₦60 million scholarship deal with OPay Digital Services and agricultural mechanization research partnerships with Chinese institutions.

The anniversary festivities concluded with a medical outreach at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital and an awards ceremony where Professor Musa and other distinguished alumni were honoured for their contributions to the university’s development.

Honourees included leading academics, senior public officers, security personnel, corporate executives, and politicians. Among them were Prof. Amina Sani Mu’azu, Prof. M.A. Suwaid, Prof. Hajara Umar Sanda, Prof. Hannatu Sabo Hadejia, Prof. Baffa Adamu Gwaram, Engr. Ibrahim Sani Abdul, and Dr. Bello Lawal Dambatta.

Others recognised were CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, CP Ali Umar Fagge, CP Ibrahim Maikaba, CIS Hussain Ibrahim, Amb. Yakubu Abdullahi Ahmad, and Amb. Musa Sani Nuhu.

Additional recipients included Alh. Muhammad Aliyu Wudil, Alh. Rabi’u Musa Dambatta, Alh. Al‑Amin Ibrahim, Alh. Kabiru Yuguda, Alh. Nasiru Mu’azu Danmusa, Alh. Umar Sanda Kuso, Pastor Clement Oniwanye, and Yushau Shuaib Idiagbon.

 

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