EXAM MALPRACTICE

EXAM MALPRACTICE

Examination malpractice is a situation where students go into the examination hall with various items to cheat. These include the use of already answered question papers, answers written as texts on phones,giraffing at neighbors work, using key points notes e.t.c

 

Examination malpractices have consistently remained a bane of Nigerian educational system and in the world at large. Most foreigners say that the academic certificates being issued to graduates in Nigeria are no more valuable than the pieces of paper on which they are printed.
So what is examination malpractice? Examination malpractice is an illegal behaviour by a candidate before, during or after the examination so that he/she can attain success easily and cheaply. Hence, the worth of the examination is violated. Examination malpractice is a cankerworm that portends grave dangers for the nation.

 

The major causes of examination malpractices are:

i. Laziness of students: Seriousness is thrown to the wind by many students. Most of them have little time for their studies. They spend their time attending parties and forming gangs who engage in untoward behaviour.

ii. Second is large population of students in many schools. The few who do very well may be promoted or admitted into higher institutions. Students cheat therefore to excel over their mates.

iii. Many students are desperate; thinking that passing the examination is a do or die affair; They want to excel by all means. Some want promises from parents fulfilled Others want to be on TV or Newspaper as the best in one form of examination or the other (though cheats hardly excel).

iv. Syllabus in many subjects such as Physics, Chemistry etc. is wide and difficult for teachers to cover. The school period is shortened by holidays, shift system and late resumption by students.

v. Another cause of examination malpractice is inadequate preparation for exams. In a number of schools the teachers are few and specialized ones are fewer so students are not adequately prepared for the examinations.

vi. Corrupt invigilators and supervisors: the students know that if they offers bribe to the invigilators. they will be allowed to cheat in the examination hall.

vii. Lastly, there is a general trend in our society towards cheating and this is encouraged by almost all members of the population.
The evil effects of examination malpractices cannot be overemphasized. Creativity and resourcefulness are hampered. It wreaks great havoc on the social, religious, economic and political lives of Nigerians.
 Employees are engaged in jobs they are not suited for since the Certificate they claim to possess are not merited.
It is not my duty to reveal the ways students cheat at examinations and this is not the proper forum for such a revelation.