The effect of Examination Malpractice is enormous and extends beyond our generation to those yet to be born. This is a several problems in Nigeria as corruption has taken over the affairs of the nation in different sectors.
Examination Malpractice jeopardizes the integrity of our educational system in general and as such, the authenticity of our educational qualifications is questioned.
This article explains the effects of Examination Malpractice, the causes, the consequences, andthe solutions.
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Let’s get started.
Types of Examination Malpractice
Here are several types of exam malpractice.
- Impersonation: This is one of the most common types of Examination Malpractice carried out in our schools in several nations. Impersonation means claiming to be someone else to cheat, write, and pass exams on their behalf.
- External aid: This sin typically involves exam officers accepting bribes from candidates in exchange for assistance before, during, or following the examinations.
- Inscription: This entails writing notes on one’s body or the objects allowed into the test room. Some of the most frequent include making notes on one’s palm, tables, exam hall walls, and small pieces of paper.
- Collusion: This is the sin that causes what is known as exam leakage. Typically, an applicant collides with a member of the exam-setting body, allowing them to obtain a copy of the questions in advance. They then revise the specific questions.
- Intimidation/assault: Students taking exams may threaten or assault the officials investigating them. This can include brandishing weapons or engaging in other forms of aggression. The exam officers are therefore obligated to let the candidates carry out their wishes, which is often another kind of cheating.
Effects of Examination Malpractice in Nigeria
The topic of examination malpractice can not be overemphasized. This issue has long term effects on Nigeria’s educational system which in turn affects the economy, students, and the general institution.
We have covered a good number of the effects of Examination Malpractice in Nigeria. See them below.
1. Decline in Academic Integrity
Exam malpractices erode the integrity of academic credentials. When students cheat, the value of certificates and degrees decreases, making it difficult to believe that persons with such credentials have the necessary knowledge and skills.
2. Decline in Educational Standards
Malpractice contributes to a deterioration in educational quality. Students who cheat frequently skip the learning process, leaving graduates with inadequate academic foundations and competencies.
3. Unqualified Graduates
Students who pass tests by misconduct graduate without completely comprehending the material. This results in the development of unqualified professions, particularly in fields such as medicine, law, engineering, and education, where competence is essential.
4. Poor National Workforce
The consequences of unqualified graduates extend to the workplace. When students cheat to get through school, they may struggle to do well in their jobs, lowering the total productivity and competency of the national workforce.
5. Reduced Confidence in the Educational System
When examination malpractice becomes a norm in society, it destroys the confidence of the educational system. Foreign agencies, colleges, employers, organizations, and investors may begin to question the authenticity of academic findings, thereby making it difficult for the country and killing its reputation.
6. Encouragement of Corruption
Examination Malpractice encourages the nation, students, and schools to become more corruption. Parties who engage in this act may transfer this into their minds thereby reshaping their entire system into corruption and in turn will affect not just their lives, but daily activities, and in the workplace and society.
7. Psychological Effects on Students
This makes students feel less of themselves. It will not encourage them to study harder, plan, and prepare for their exams. In other words, it decreases their self-confidence in the real world and spoils their ability to succeed through hard and honest work.
8. Negative Impact on Future Opportunities
Students who engage in examination malpractice may find it difficult to get jobs from reputable organizations and firms and in particular when they want to further their education. This act may limit their academic success and life generally especially in the real world sense.
9. Legal consequences
In some circumstances, students who indulge in examination malpractice may face legal consequences. I remember in my secondary school days. We were writing WAEC exams and one of the teachers committed an act of Examination Malpractice. Unfortunately, while he was doing that, the body (ICPC) sent to investigate caught him in the act and he was arrested and sentenced.
Since then, the school has a bad reputation and the majority of the students left.
10. Undermining Educational Reforms
Exam misconduct undermines educational changes aimed at enhancing learning results. When cheating becomes common, efforts to improve teaching quality, curriculum, and evaluation techniques suffer.
11. Increased Education Costs
The necessity to employ greater security measures, investigation, and technology to prevent misconduct raises the cost of administering exams. These additional costs may be borne by students and institutions, increasing the cost of education.
Causes of Examination Malpractice in Nigeria
- Parenting failure: Parenting is frequently the starting point for a wide range of virtues and vices. In Nigeria, parents are often involved in examination misconduct. Some parents show little interest in their children’s academic lives. When exam time arrives, some of these parents are frequently at the forefront of facilitating cheating in order for their children to achieve high grades.
- Poor student attitude: Because students are a common factor in all types of malpractice, they bear the most responsibility for the vice. Some students are considered to be lazy and look for any shortcut to good scores that does not require studying and working hard. Some pupils don’t trust in tried-and-true qualities like devotion and consistency. As a result of their negative attitude, such students frequently resort to various sorts of examination misconduct.
- Environmental factors: Nigerian applicants have found themselves in an environment where examination misconduct is encouraged and, in some cases, justified. The environment can influence kids who are quick to accept standards. In a culture that will go to any length to win, cheating has become a relatively accepted sin.
- Societal pressure: This can also be in the form of pressure and influence from the peer group. Our society is designed to allow children become lazy to the extent that they want to cheat during an exam and pass.
Consequences of Examination Malpractice in Nigeria
- Spoils the integrity of the educational system: Examination Malpractice spoils the integrity of the country’s educational system, thereby making the system look untrusted and impossible to trust the grades and degrees of students..
- Unfair advantage: Examination Malpractice gives an unfair advantage to people. When examination malpractice is done, some students are left out which results into lack of competition in the class.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the effects of Examination Malpractice in Nigeria are more than we could think of. However, working with the Federal Ministry of Education in Nigeria, teachers, parents, and the students will help in overcoming the high rate of Examination Malpractice.
Adepoju Olamilekan is a blogger and student of economics at Adekunle Ajasin who has written for many educational blog across the country. His passion and love for blog and creating as found him always writing to provide solutions to all Nigeria Students