The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has strongly decried the pervasive nature of examination malpractice in Nigeria, labeling the systemic corruption as “mind-boggling.”
Speaking on Thursday during a crucial stakeholders’ meeting with the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, Alausa revealed that examination questions were previously traded openly, with perpetrators acquiring secure NECO questions online for as little as ₦3,000 ahead of test days.
Detailing the severity of the crisis, Alausa highlighted how deeply entrenched cheating has been tolerated over the years, ultimately putting diligent students at a severe disadvantage.
The minister shared personal encounters from the 2025 examination period, recalling how he was regularly sent leaked papers—including English and Chemistry—by the Minister of State for Education, which examination authorities later verified as authentic.
He warned that this vicious cycle creates a dangerous environment where honest students are eventually forced to compromise their integrity just to compete.
Arguing that students should not bear the brunt of the blame, Alausa emphasized that the entire educational framework requires immediate accountability.
He pointed out that deep-seated connivance involving parents, school proprietors, teachers, principals, and invigilators creates an ecosystem where children are the smallest players.
The minister stressed that true reform must target those entrusted with enforcing deterrents rather than focusing solely on punishing learners.
In response to the crisis, Minister of State for Education Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad urged private school proprietors to back tighter security measures, such as serialized examination papers designed to neutralize reliance on leaks.
Ahmad acknowledged that stricter controls might initially expose learning gaps among students accustomed to shortcuts, but she insisted that schools must finish curricula on schedule to encourage genuine academic preparation.
Reiterating the administration’s commitment, Dr. Alausa linked the crackdown on malpractice to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader vision to transform Nigeria’s educational standards.
The Federal Government pledged to deploy intensified measures to eliminate question-paper leakages, impersonation, and unauthorized assistance.
Ultimately, authorities aim to restore global confidence in Nigerian academic qualifications and ensure that hard work and honest merit are properly rewarded.
