Caught Cheating? You Face a 3-Year Ban—JAMB Gets Tough on Exam Malpractice!

The indications are concerning, ranging from the purported mishandling of ₦71 billion under the fledgling student loan program involving banks and certain universities to the extensive errors in the most recent Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), the disclosure of English language questions in the current Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSSCE), and the devastating collapse of a classroom block on SSSCE candidates in Taraba State. These incidents indicate a severely decaying sector.

In addition, it was discovered that more than 75% of applicants in the 2025 UTME received a score of 200 or lower. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) acknowledged that there were technological issues with the test, and many of them had to retake it.

Exam question leaks that compelled candidates to take the SSSCE at night with torchlights—a practice that has rightfully drawn significant criticism—were perhaps the most unsettling event.

Dr. Tunji Alausa, the education minister, responded by ordering that any candidate convicted of exam misconduct be prohibited from taking any external exams for the following three years.

Although we sympathize with the minister’s worries and back any sincere attempts to stop this threat, we think the suggested penalty is arbitrary and superficial.

Exam malpractice is not limited to students, as demonstrated by the Nigerian experience. Deeply complicit are parents, educators, school administrators, and even senior leaders in both public and private organizations. Therefore, why should the candidates be the only ones punished?

Parents have been discovered posing as their kids during key exams in the past. What did such a revelation lead to? There were no actual repercussions beyond public indignation and media attention. This emphasizes how deeply ingrained the issue is and how reluctant authorities are to address it systemically.

Furthermore, harsher and more thorough sanctions are already provided by the Examination Malpractices Act, Cap E15, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. The act clearly defines examination malpractice, which includes using fraudulent devices, impersonating someone, using unapproved materials, and conspiring with other candidates. It further stipulates that violations can result in fines of up to ₦100,000 and/or up to three years in jail. Additionally, it states that such matters may only be tried in the Federal High Court.

Therefore, the prevalence of malpractice is not due to a lack of legislation. Instead, it is the persistent inability to bring offenders to justice thoroughly and openly.

Therefore, in order to successfully execute this law, we implore the federal and state governments to work together. In addition, some outdated clauses in the act ought to be changed. For example, in order to facilitate quicker and easier prosecution, the Federal High Court’s exclusive jurisdiction had to be reexamined. Additionally, there must be deadlines for resolving these cases to guarantee prompt justice and provide a strong warning to potential criminals.

Additionally, mass sensitization is essential. The definition of exam malpractice and its legal ramifications are still unknown to many students, parents, instructors, and school administrators. Public education programs must be sustained to close this knowledge gap.

Exam malpractice has spread like wildfire throughout Nigeria’s educational system. It calls into question the validity of academic credentials and evaluations. It poses a threat to devalue Nigerian credentials and oversupply the labor market with underqualified graduates if it is not tackled forcefully. As a publication, we implore the government to take action beyond token measures like the suggested three-year ban. It is necessary to address the underlying reasons, which include inadequate preparation, excessive parental pressure, a faulty value system, and institutional corruption.

Parents need to quit forcing their children to choose certain subjects and careers and lessen the psychological strain they put on them. It should be possible for candidates to enroll in classes that match their skills and interests.

Therefore, the fight against examination malpractice must be waged collectively, with equal commitment from government, educators, parents, and students.

If we do not act now, we risk raising a generation of certificate holders who lack the knowledge, competence, and integrity to drive Nigeria’s progress.