Examination Fraud and certificate racketeering have become so rampant in Nigeria that the integrity of the nation’s system of Education and workforce is at stake. This abuse has been bred into academic Culture as far back as the primary schools, with children aided sometimes by their parents and teachers, cheating during exams. This is a bigger problem at the higher level, when many students can go to any length in securing good grades, often with the help of so-called “miracle centers”—schools particularly known to aid examination malpractice.
The madness for academic success in Nigeria is largely driven by the overemphasis of society on certificates as a means to gaining opportunities in Higher Education and securing jobs. Private schools, for their part, are quick to capitalize on such shortcomings of public institutions; they offer special “arrangements” to earn students guaranteed success, many times with a cost. The effects of these practices are deep. Not only is it derogatory to the validity of educational qualifications, but it is also a threat to the quality of human resources that shall govern the future of Nigeria.
Cases occur in other neighbouring countries too.
Also, the proportion of certificate forgery is as bad in public sectors as in the private sector, with many cases of civil servants and some teachers even in government schools found holding fake credentials. The outcome of this massive fraud is a loss of confidence in the system and consequently calls into question the legitimacy of these educational institutions in Nigeria. Some experts have pointed out that these occurrences were enabled by societal values. The breakdown of standards, as well as the desperation of people to get out of Poverty by all means, created a setting in which academic fraud breeds. Political will to enforce existing laws against such practices is also lacking, allowing perpetrators to act with impunity.
This problem is not contained in Nigeria alone, but has been reported in institutions of higher learning in sister countries, typified by the infamous case of the university in Cotonou, Benin Republic, where Nigerian students were sold degrees in a few weeks. This case and others go a long way in pointing out the transnational dimension of certificate racketeering and the imperative for regional collaboration to stem the tides. In the end, a solution has to be designed to this problem based on an all-round approach: change the cultural mentality to conform to integrity in academic pursuits, strict enforcement of anti-fraud laws, and collective action on the part of educators, parents, and policymakers to restore the dignity of the Nigerian education system.
Strict laws and educational reforms should be implemented.
To address the issue of examination fraud, the existing laws should be enforced. The government should ensure that the laws relating to examination malpractices and certificate forgery are strictly and seriously enforced. This involves the Empowerment of law implementing agencies and education regulatory bodies to carry out effective investigation, prosecute offenders, and deter others who may have the notion to indulge in the commission of such acts. What such a result in cases of high-ranking public figures, politicians, and public figures would really do is give a clear message that no one is above the law.
Then, educational reforms should be implemented. Robust Security measures within the school and examination bodies will make Exam malpractice very difficult. This could include the usage of Technology in monitoring exams and securing exam materials from leaks. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) already uses this technology in the form of CCTV cameras. There is also the factor of refocusing the educational Curriculum from rote learning to critical thinking and problem-solving skills, reducing the undue pressure on the student to excel at all costs. Teachers should be trained and motivated enough to maintain ethical standards. At the same time, they should also be held liable in case of involvement in any malpractice.
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Ultimately, tackling this issue requires detailed strategies and willingness on the part of Nigerians. These include a cultural shift towards valuing integrity in the academic sector, strict enforcement of anti-fraud laws, and a combined effort by educators, parents, and policymakers to restore the credibility of Nigeria’s education system. Schools need to let school children do exams to the best of their abilities. Parents and teachers also need to steer clear of examination venues to avoid interference.