In a groundbreaking initiative to restore credibility and integrity to Nigeria’s education system, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, has inaugurated a high-powered committee to combat examination malpractice and strengthen education standards.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the Ministry of Education Conference Hall in Abuja, brought together key stakeholders from various educational institutions and organizations.
The committee, named the Committee on the Improvement of Examination Quality, is chaired by Professor Ishaq Oloyede, Registrar of JAMB, and includes representatives from JAMB, WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, ANCOPSS, and the Nigeria Union of Teachers.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Alausa described education as the foundation for human capital development and societal progress, emphasizing the Tinubu administration’s commitment to improving access to quality education, healthcare, and social protection. However, he expressed deep concern about the growing menace of examination malpractice, which he described as a “collective failure” that erodes merit, discourages hard work, and undermines national development.
“This is not a fight against students but a collective effort to secure the future of education in Nigeria. With integrity and hard work, we can build a system that prepares our youth to contribute meaningfully to national and global development,” the Minister declared.
The committee’s mandate includes:
Eliminating examination leakages and fraud.
Addressing identity theft and result falsification.
Transitioning to computer-based testing (CBT) within three years.
Developing criteria for effective examination supervision.
Designing mechanisms for local swapping of candidates during exams to curb cheating.
Dr. Alausa also directed all examination bodies to adopt certificate templates with advanced security features, including photographs, Birth Certificates, and National Identification Numbers (NIN), by June 2025. He stressed the importance of leveraging technology to restore public trust in Nigeria’s education system.
Professor Ishaq Oloyede, the committee chair, lauded the Minister for his proactive leadership and acknowledged the global rise in examination malpractice and its detrimental impact on Nigeria’s educational standards. “This is a national war, and we must rise to the occasion,” he stated, pledging the committee’s immediate commencement of work and a commitment to deliver actionable results.
Hajia Saadat Madibbo Kawu, speaking on behalf of the Commissioners of Education across Nigeria, praised the inclusiveness of the initiative and expressed optimism about its success. “This is a service to our country and a step towards securing the future of our children. Under Professor Oloyede’s leadership and with the grace of Almighty God, we are confident of achieving our goals,” she affirmed.
The Minister concluded with a rallying call, urging all Nigerians—parents, guardians, educators, and students—to join the fight against examination malpractice. “Together, we can end this menace and safeguard the integrity of our education system,” he emphasized.
The committee is expected to submit its recommendations by June 2025, marking a significant step toward building a more credible, transparent, and robust education system in Nigeria.
