In a decisive effort to rescue Nigeria’s education system from the grip of examination malpractice, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, has inaugurated a high-powered committee tasked with safeguarding the integrity of the nation’s education sector.
The ceremony, held at the Ministry of Education Conference Hall in Abuja, brought together key stakeholders and policymakers. The newly inaugurated Committee on the Improvement of Examination Quality, chaired by JAMB Registrar Professor Ishaq Oloyede, is composed of representatives from JAMB, WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, ANCOPSS, and the Nigeria Union of Teachers.
In his address, Dr. Alausa underscored the Tinubu administration’s unwavering commitment to enhancing access to quality education, healthcare, and social protection. He lamented the increasing prevalence of examination malpractice, which he described as a “national crisis” undermining merit and hard work.
“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,” Dr. Alausa said.
The committee has been tasked with:
Eliminating examination leakages and fraud.
Curbing identity theft and result falsification.
Transitioning to computer-based testing (CBT) within three years.
Establishing new standards for examination supervision.
Developing systems to prevent cheating through candidate swapping.
Dr. Alausa also directed all examination bodies to adopt certificate templates with advanced security features, including photographs, Birth Certificates, and National Identification Numbers (NIN), by June 2025. He commended JAMB’s use of technology as a benchmark for achieving these reforms.
“This is a national war, and we must rise to the occasion,” said Professor Ishaq Oloyede, chair of the committee. He pledged that the committee would begin work immediately and provide concrete recommendations to combat malpractice and enhance credibility.
Hajia Saadat Madibbo Kawu, representing Commissioners of Education nationwide, praised the inclusiveness of the initiative. “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 Minister closed with a call to action, urging Nigerians to join the fight against 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, setting the stage for a more credible and transformative education sector in Nigeria.
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