The recently released 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results have once again brought to light the dual realities of the education system in Nigeria. On one hand, the results showcase commendable achievements, with 73.79% of candidates obtaining credit or above in a minimum of five subjects. This statistic indicates that a substantial number of students are meeting the academic standards set by the curriculum. However, the fact that the results of 215,267 candidates—11.92% of the total—have been withheld due to examination malpractice is a stark reminder of the systemic issues that continue to plague the education sector.
The Head of the Nigeria Office of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Dr. Amos Dangut, highlighted that the withheld results stem from various reported cases of examination malpractice. While the current figure is a 4.37% decrease from the 16.29% recorded in the 2023 WASSCE for School Candidates, the numbers are still alarming and point to a significant challenge within the education system. The persistence of malpractice, including the unauthorized use of mobile phones and organized cheating, suggests that the problem is deeply entrenched and requires comprehensive solutions.
The Root Causes of Examination Malpractice**
The high incidence of examination malpractice can be attributed to multiple factors, including inadequate preparation, the pressure to succeed in high-stakes exams, and systemic shortcomings within the education system. Many students may resort to dishonest practices out of fear of failure, a lack of confidence in their abilities, or inadequate support from their schools and teachers. Furthermore, the emphasis on achieving top grades in final exams, rather than fostering a deeper understanding of subjects, can drive both students and educators to prioritize passing over learning. As a teacher, I know how some schools across the federation pressure parents and students into examination malpractice even against their will.
Schools and educators also play a role in perpetuating malpractice. In some cases, schools may feel pressured to produce excellent results to attract more students. This is the case of some private schools in Nigeria. They use the results as a marketing mix.
This can lead to organized cheating, where teachers or school administrators actively participate in or turn a blind eye to dishonest practices. The involvement of some educators in malpractice undermines the integrity of the education system and sets a poor example for students.
To combat examination malpractice and improve the overall quality of education, a multifaceted approach is necessary. This approach should involve strengthening examination security, enhancing teacher training, reforming the curriculum and assessment methods, involving parents and communities, and enforcing stricter policies and regulations.
1. Strengthening Examination Security:
WAEC has made significant strides in improving examination security, but more can be done. Strict enforcement of the ban on mobile phones and other unauthorized materials in examination halls is essential. Additionally, leveraging technology, such as surveillance cameras and biometric verification, can help monitor activities during exams more effectively and deter potential cheats. Collaboration with law enforcement agencies to track and prosecute organized cheating rings can also serve as a deterrent.
2. Enhancing Teacher Training and Development: Teachers are at the forefront of the education system, and their role in curbing malpractice cannot be overstated. Continuous professional development programs should be provided to equip teachers with the skills needed to teach effectively, assess student progress accurately, and discourage dishonest practices. Emphasizing ethics and integrity in teacher training can help build a culture of honesty in schools. Teachers should also be trained to recognize and address the pressures that lead students to cheat, offering support and guidance instead.
3. Curriculum and Assessment Reform:
The current education system places a disproportionate emphasis on high-stakes exams, which can create a high-pressure environment that encourages malpractice. To address this, the curriculum should be reformed to focus more on formative assessments, which evaluate students’ progress throughout the academic year. Continuous assessment, project-based learning, and practical exams can provide a more comprehensive evaluation of a student’s abilities and reduce the reliance on final exams. This approach can also encourage students to engage more deeply with their studies, fostering a love of learning rather than just a desire to pass exams.
4. Community and Parental Involvement:
Schools cannot address malpractice alone; they need the support of parents and the broader community. Parents play a crucial role in shaping their children’s attitudes toward education and integrity. Schools should work closely with parents to instill values of honesty and hard work in students. Community-wide awareness campaigns can help highlight the consequences of examination malpractice, both for individuals and for society as a whole. Encouraging parents to take an active interest in their children’s education can help reduce the pressure to succeed at all costs.
5. Policy and Regulatory Frameworks:
The government and educational authorities must take a proactive stance in combating examination malpractice by reviewing and enforcing policies related to exam administration and school supervision. Ensuring accountability at all levels, from schools and teachers to students and supervisors, is essential. Schools found to be complicit in malpractice should face sanctions, and the criteria for school accreditation should include strict adherence to examination regulations. At the same time, efforts should be made to improve the overall quality of education, ensuring that all students have access to the resources and support they need to succeed without resorting to cheating.
The 2024 WASSCE results offer a mixed picture of the state of education in Nigeria. While the strong performance of many students is commendable, the high incidence of examination malpractice remains a significant challenge that must be addressed. By tackling the root causes of malpractice and implementing comprehensive reforms, the education system can be strengthened to ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed honestly and on their own merits. The time has come for all stakeholders—educators, policymakers, parents, and students—to work together to build an education system that values integrity, promotes learning, and prepares young people for a future of success and ethical responsibility.
