As a result of over-emphasis on paper qualification, examination malpractices  has become a vogue in Nigeria. Our children now prefer enjoying themselves at the expense of their studies. Because they are unsure of their ability to pass examinations, they resort to cheap ways of doing so.

Often, they rely on pre-knowledge of examination question papers otherwise known as ‘expo’. Unfortunately, the result of this practice is a fall in the standard of education.

Examination malpractice can hardly be sustained if it is not encouraged. Disappointingly, some examiners encourage students to indulge in this obnoxious practice by collaborating with them. These examiners sometimes use this medium for economic gains as huge sums of money are demanded to obtain ‘expo’.

This behaviour encourages Nigerian students to rely on examination malpractices rather than facing their studies.

This habit leads so many Nigerians to various misconduct during examination period. Thus, examination malpractice has become a way of life among students. In Nigeria, the effect of examination  malpractice cannot entirely be expressed here. But suffice it to state that the effect ranges from the inability to express oneself in public with a good command of English Language to the inability to defend one’s certificates or qualifications.

The downturn event is usually frustration because the individual cannot defend himself  in the society after spending years in school and claiming to be a graduate. Many among them find it difficult to secure employment except through ‘man knows man.’

Many of our youths become frustrated and disillusioned as they see their colleagues, whose academic standard is low, being given admission either because they can afford the necessary bribe or have godfathers who speak on their behalf .

I am personally convinced that with adequate measures put in place, there will be a change in attitude towards education standard.

Over the years, emphasis has been placed on providing education for the people. This is based on the belief that education inculcates advanced knowledge in the people which in turn provides the necessary enlightenment and thus gives people lasense of belonging.

The training of our children is a collective responsibility of teachers and parents. Education malpractices are not the right tools for acquiring knowledge and achieving success in life. It does not in any way help our society.

Disappointingly, many educated people in the society are culpable of exhibiting high level of indiscipline. They indulge in various vices which render the nation impotent, forgetting that as leaders, the majority of the populace who are not enlightened take the cue from them.

I think the Nigerian elites owe the nation the duty of showing good example by ensuing that examination malpractices in our various levels of schools are fought to a standstill. It calls to question the integrity of the elite if teachers and lecturers who are supposed to maintain academic standard are the ones encouraging examination malpractices.

Our government at various levels should therefore device means of curbing this scourge that has almost consumed not just our academic standard, but also the nation’s integrity. And the earlier we do this, the better.

Etim wrote in from Port Harcourt.

Sintrials Etim