Examination malpractices becoming threat to educational integrity
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has a long history of conducting examinations in West Africa. It has implemented various measures to ensure the integrity and credibility of its examinations.
WAEC has been cracking the whip regarding examination malpractice, with reports of impersonation, taking snapshots of questions and carrying mobile phones to examination halls.
According to WAEC's Head of Public Affairs, John Kapi, more than 14 persons have been picked up at various examination centres, with 64 mobile phones seized in one school alone.
The cases of impersonation are particularly disturbing, with some candidates going to the extent of hiring others to write the exams on their behalf. WAEC has taken decisive action, with some perpetrators already facing prosecution and imprisonment.
These malpractices not only undermine the credibility of the examination process but also threaten the very fabric of our education system.
They are a stark reminder of the challenges facing the country's education system.
Examination malpractice is a complex issue with multiple causes. A factor contributing to this menace is inadequate preparation.
Many students do not prepare adequately for examinations due to laziness or poor time management, leading them to engage in malpractices to avoid failure.
Corruption and bribery among examination officials allow students to gain unfair advantages, undermining the integrity of the examination process.
Students dealing with psychological problems may find it difficult to study and thus resort to cheating.
The absence of a strong focus on ethics and integrity in the education system contributes to the normalisation of cheating.
These malpractices not only undermine the credibility of the examination process but also threaten the very fabric of our education system.
WAEC's efforts to combat examination malpractice are commendable, but more needs to be done to address this menace.
The Ghana Education Service (GES) must work closely with WAEC to ensure that examination officials and stakeholders found culpable are sanctioned accordingly.
A zero-tolerance policy towards examination malpractice is essential to maintaining the integrity of our education system.
Examination malpractice have far-reaching consequences, including undermining the credibility of our educational certificates and compromising the quality of our human resources.
It also perpetuates a culture of dishonesty and mediocrity, which can have long-term effects on our nation's development.
To prevent examination malpractice, we need a multi-faceted approach that involves all stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and school administrators.
We must promote a culture of integrity and hard work, where students are encouraged to earn their grades through honest means.
WAEC and GES should also explore innovative ways to prevent malpractices, such as using technology, to detect cheating and implementing stricter examination protocols.
The recent examination malpractice uncovered by WAEC are a wake-up call for all stakeholders in Ghana's education sector.
We must work together to promote a culture of integrity and uphold the credibility of our examination system.
By doing so, we can ensure that our students earn their grades through honest means, so that our educational certificates remain a badge of honour.
WAEC's efforts to combat examination malpractice are a step in the right direction, and we must build on this momentum to create a brighter future for our nation.
