"Life Itself is an Examination"

Its has been ascertained that learning is incomplete without a test to show how much has been grasped of what have been learnt, that the major reason examination tends to appear in all classes learning (both formal and informal).

In Nigeria alone; there are millions of students sitting for different examinations, where supposedly only the best are chosen and the rest get nothing. Amidst this competition to stand out and rise with the best, Examination Malpractice is born.

Examination Malpractice is a vice practiced at all levels of educational institutions and Exam boards nationwide. To any desperate student; these venture would sound promising - Easy Pass, Less Hard-work and an easy life through school. But just like every other vices it has its consequences, Naive students and real hard-worker who actually put time and effort into reading are being overlooked for money's sake. There is a reversal in fortune as the failures win and the winners fail.

The Administrators (Lecturers/Teachers) who are supposed to educate the students have also joined the trend, promising students A's in their subjects/courses just for extra cash or in wanting to satisfy their carnal desire promise mark for sex.

Such demoralizing situation is just another paint to the already tainted image of the country.

Teachers encouraging student to contribute money to bribe invigilators during External exams, Swapping of Examination results, Impersonation and many more are factors which can seriously deteriorate the morals of any student and make them view cheating as a way of life.

If the student who grew up with this belief supposedly finds his way into a political seat, what happens The Country will only be plunged deeper into the depth of corruption.

So far the solution provided for Examination malpractice has been punishments for the offenders which is hardly enough as culprit often never see the Court house or face punishments.

I suggest an outlet should be provided to facilitate the easy access to reach out to the student in all levels of education, creating awareness on the dangers and consequences of examination malpractices. Vocational Courses should also be encouraged alongside the standard educational subject's so that those who have little interest in the latter can utilize their talent elsewhere.


I believe putting in these preambles will help go a long way in eradicating examination malpractice and ensuring a brighter tomorrow.


© Osedebamen Mary Julius popularly known as REBEL is a writer with a creative flair for unconventional stories. In her free time she enjoys reading, playing games and debating on unnecessary topics.



Edited by D' Oracle...

... "there are millions of
students sitting for different
examinations, where supposedly only
the best are chosen and the rest GET NOTHING."

Firstly, I'll like to remind us that humans, just like every other species compete to survive. It would be an ill reasoning to think that this competition is limited to only 'moral' / good or 'healthy' competition.

I grew up leaning how vices are unhealthy. Fact.

But in Nigeria and every other part of the world, people with such tendencies (eg 'corruption') are more successful on the average.

I have no issues with whatever a human does to survive (as its our primary goal) inasmuch as doing the 'immoral' things is most likely to get you caught up in a hot pot with the laws of the society.

I wonder why we preach against malpractice if those who practice such 'vices', we believe, would be the once to pay for it.

Back to the original topic of Malpractice in Nigeria.

I've been to many schools in rural areas and the fact no one wants to address is the standard of the schools (using most schools in rural areas as a case study) and the competence of most of their teachers. The fact is that over 80% of the students in such areas are not just capable of sitting for (eg WAEC) independently to pass with the least pass mark.

Now, we claim to have their interest at heart...thats why we even get students to understand the future implications of such practices.
But if we are not hypocrites, lets consider the following:
1. Majority of these students hustle the exuberant fees (WAEC, NECO) themselves
2. They lack the ability to sit independently and pass.

In this case, would you sincerely advise them to sit on their own and fail? Hustle another money to re-register to continue to face the same fate like an endless loop?
The financial implications are just unbearable!.


Hey, don't get me wrong here. I'm clearly not an ambassador for Exam Malpractice, I've only accessed schools in rural areas (which are greater in number). I just reason out of conventional biased reasoning.

So in conclusion: if someone can cheat his or her way through all the institutions (which is virtually impossible) and have a good career, get employed and not get fired for incompetence...then fine! That someone has survived through his/her method.

I believe no survival instinct is superior to another... That's simply ill thinking. One thing is certain, nature would definitely filter those who don't have what it takes!.



Sincerely, badthinds.