In a landmark move to restore credibility and integrity to Nigeria’s education system, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, has inaugurated a high-powered committee to tackle examination malpractice and strengthen education standards. The event, held today at the Ministry of Education Conference Hall in Abuja, brought together key stakeholders committed to addressing this critical issue.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Alausa highlighted the vital role of education as a foundation for human capital development and societal progress. He emphasized the Tinubu administration’s unwavering commitment to improving access to quality education, healthcare, and social protection programs.
However, he expressed grave concern over the growing prevalence of examination malpractice, describing it as a collective failure that erodes merit, discourages hard work, and undermines national development.
To combat these challenges, the Minister announced the formation of the Committee on the Improvement of Examination Quality, led by Professor Ishaq Oloyede, Registrar of JAMB. The committee comprises representatives from JAMB, WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, ANCOPSS, and the Nigeria Union of Teachers.
Their mandate includes eliminating examination leakages and fraud, addressing identity theft and result falsification, transitioning to computer-based testing (CBT) within three years, developing criteria for effective examination supervision, and designing mechanisms for local swapping of candidates during examinations to curb cheating.
Dr. Alausa also directed all examination bodies to adopt certificate templates with advanced security features, such as photographs, Birthday Certificate and National Identification Numbers (NIN), by June 2025. He stressed the importance of leveraging technology, as exemplified by JAMB, to eliminate malpractice and restore public trust.
“This is not a fight against students but a collective effort to secure the future of education in Nigeria. With integrity and hard work, we can build a system that prepares our youth to contribute meaningfully to national and global development,” he stated.
Speaking at the inauguration, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, the chairman of the committee commended the Honourable Minister for his visionary leadership and proactive approach. He acknowledged the global rise in examination malpractice and its negative impact on Nigeria’s educational standards.
“This is a national war, and we must rise to the occasion,” he declared, pledging the committee’s immediate commencement of work and a commitment to deliver concrete and actionable outcomes.
On behalf of the Commissioners of Education across Nigeria, Hajia Saadat Madibbo Kawu praised the inclusiveness of the initiative and expressed optimism about its success. She emphasized the importance of addressing examination challenges to ensure the delivery of quality education.
“This is a service to our country and a step towards securing the future of our children. Under Professor Oloyede’s leadership and with the grace of Almighty God, we are confident of achieving our goals,” she stated.
The Honourable Minister concluded with a call to action, urging all Nigerians; parents, guardians, educators, and students to join in the fight against examination malpractice. “Together, we can end this menace and safeguard the integrity of our education system,” he affirmed.
The committee is expected to submit its recommendations by June 2025, marking a significant step toward a more credible and robust education system in Nigeria.
Signed
Boriowo Folasade
Director, Press & PR
