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

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10 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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Kano Hajj Medical Team Commended for Commitment to Pilgrims’ Healthcare in Saudi Arabia

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3 hours ago

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May 23, 2026

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By: Lamara Garba

The medical team deployed by the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board for this year’s Hajj exercise in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has continued to receive commendation for its commitment and dedication to the healthcare needs of pilgrims.

The team, headed by Dr. Ibrahim Musa, has established clinics in all the seven major houses accommodating pilgrims from Kano State in Makkah to ensure easy access to medical care throughout the Hajj period.

The Kano medical team operates in collaboration with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) medical mission, working in synergy with the national healthcare structure put in place for Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

Speaking to reporters in Makkah, Dr. Ibrahim Musa explained that the Kano team remains fully integrated into the broader NAHCON medical framework, which coordinates healthcare services for Nigerian pilgrims and facilitates collaboration with Saudi health authorities.

According to him, the arrangement has enabled the team to provide prompt and efficient healthcare services while ensuring that patients requiring further medical attention are properly referred through the established Saudi healthcare referral system.

He disclosed that most of the cases being attended to involve minor ailments such as joint pains, malaria, catarrh, fatigue, and routine complications among diabetic and hypertensive patients, many of whom require medication adjustments due to the weather and physical demands of the Hajj exercise.

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“We attend to patients promptly, provide necessary treatment, and where additional attention is required, referrals are made seamlessly through the appropriate channels in collaboration with NAHCON and Saudi medical facilities,” he stated.

Dr. Ibrahim Musa further revealed that the Kano State Government procured adequate drugs and medical consumables to cater for the health needs of pilgrims throughout their stay in the holy land.

He noted that beyond the fixed clinics established in the major accommodation centres, the medical team also operates a decentralised and mobile healthcare service to cater for pilgrims residing in a few outlier accommodations located away from the main clusters.

According to him, the mobile arrangement has significantly improved accessibility and ensured that no pilgrim is left unattended regardless of location.

Dr. Ibrahim Musa also expressed profound appreciation to the Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, for providing the necessary support and enabling environment for the medical team to function effectively during the Hajj exercise.

He stated that the successes recorded so far were largely due to the Governor’s commitment to the welfare of pilgrims, particularly in the areas of healthcare support, provision of drugs, logistics, and personnel deployment.

Also speaking, one of the medical doctors attached to the team, Dr. Ashiru Muhammad Sumaila, expressed satisfaction with the level of preparation made for the medical mission.

He explained that adequate drugs, medical equipment, and personnel were made available to support effective healthcare delivery during the Hajj exercise.

Dr. Ashiru Muhammad Sumaila particularly commended the team leader, Dr. Ibrahim Musa, for providing effective coordination and leadership, which he said has enhanced smooth medical operations across all the accommodation centres.

He added that the strong teamwork among the healthcare personnel, combined with support from NAHCON and Saudi health authorities, has contributed immensely to the smooth handling of medical cases involving the pilgrims.

The medical team also advised pilgrims to continue observing health guidelines by staying hydrated, taking prescribed medications regularly, avoiding unnecessary exposure to extreme heat, and maintaining proper hygiene during the Hajj rites.

Some of the pilgrims who spoke with our correspondent praised the medical team for their accessibility, professionalism, and prompt response to health concerns, describing their presence as reassuring and comforting throughout the spiritual journey.

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Over 1.5 million Pilgrims Converge at the Sacred Saudi Masjid for Hajj Surpassing 2025 Record

Published

9 hours ago

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May 23, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Over 1.5 million pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia from outside the kingdom for the upcoming hajj, according to a Saudi official, exceeding the number of international visitors last year despite the war in the Middle East.

The conflict triggered by the US and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February saw Tehran order waves of strikes on targets in Saudi Arabia and across the Gulf, prompting widespread air traffic disruptions and causing travel costs to surge.

Major Gulf airlines in the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain have worked to quickly restore much of their operational capacity after weeks of airspace closures and flight cancellations.

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Despite the complications, pilgrims have continued to flock to Saudi Arabia to participate in this year’s hajj.

“The total number of pilgrims arriving from abroad has reached 1,518,153,” Saleh Al-Murabba, the commander of Saudi Arabia’s Hajj Passport Forces, told a press conference late Friday.

These figures are expected to rise further over the next two days as pilgrims continue to arrive from abroad ahead of the formal rituals that mark the beginning of the hajj on Monday.

Last year, the total number of pilgrims at the hajj reached 1,673,320, including 1,506,576 from outside Saudi Arabia.

The hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, must be performed at least once by all Muslims with the means.

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Tinubu, Wife Vote in Lagos as APC Presidential Primary Kicks off

Published

9 hours ago

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May 23, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

President Bola Tinubu and his wife, Oluremi, on Saturday participated in the All Progressives Congress presidential primary at Ward E, Ikoyi, Lagos, as the ruling party commenced its nationwide exercise ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The couple arrived at the venue in a motorcade and were received by a large crowd of party supporters, security personnel, and members of the press.

Video footage from the primary showed Tinubu and Oluremi navigating through dense crowds of APC members dressed in traditional attire as they moved through the venue.

The exercise is part of the party’s May 2026 ward-level primaries, through which the incumbent president is seeking re-nomination as the APC’s flagbearer for the 2027 presidential election.

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Heavy press coverage accompanied the event, with cameras capturing the president’s movement through the crowd of supporters and party faithful who had turned out at the Ikoyi ward.

After voting, Tinubu described the exercise as a demonstration of internal democracy and expressed satisfaction with its conduct across the country.

“Demonstration of internal democracy, and it has been going very well according to plan. This is politics, grassroots politics, where every member of the party has the right to participate and be involved.

“My challenge is to ensure that we have an internal democracy and it’s peaceful and well organised,” he said in a video shared by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Tinubu also praised APC governors for their roles in the electoral process across their respective states.

“Today, I am very satisfied that these governors have done well in their various states.

“From the world congresses, to local government congresses, to the delegation accreditation, validation, members register and certification of the electoral process. It has been going very well.

“At least, you will score democracy at a high level,” he stated.

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