The West African Examination Council (WAEC) has taken a strong stance against exam malpractice by banning 13 schools in Kogi State from participating in the West Africa Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). The decision comes in response to widespread malpractice during the 2023/2024 WASSCE, sparking a renewed crackdown on unethical practices in the state’s educational sector.
Kogi State’s Commissioner for Education, Mr. Wemi Jones, revealed the development during a meeting with implicated principals and supervisors. He confirmed that, in addition to banning the schools, WAEC has also blacklisted 14 supervisors found guilty of aiding exam malpractices. Jones expressed the government’s firm resolve to hold accountable any school principals, teachers, or supervisors involved in such actions.
“Examination malpractices remain a criminal offence and will be treated in accordance with the law,” Jones asserted. He further stated that offenders will now face prosecution under the Kogi State Education Law and Other Matters Connected Therewith, 2020, signaling a zero-tolerance policy for future violations. To this end, a committee, led by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, will investigate those indicted by WAEC to ensure a thorough response.
“Kogi State has invested so much in education and will no longer tolerate the attitude of the ‘bad eggs’ drawing back the gains already made in the education sector,” Jones said, underscoring the government’s commitment to upholding academic integrity.
Dr. Seidu Jibrin, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, also addressed the principals and supervisors, urging them to reflect on the impact of their actions. “I urge you to have a sober reflection on your actions as posterity will judge everyone according to his/her deeds,” Jibrin stated. “While some teachers are being called out for awards, it will be wrong for you to be called out for condemnations. It is unfortunate that this is happening when Kogi State is investing so much in education; whosoever is found culpable will be severely sanctioned.”
The swift and decisive actions by WAEC and Kogi State officials send a clear message on the seriousness of examination integrity and the consequences awaiting those who compromise it.
