Exam malpractice - The narrative must change this time

The development of every nation is dependent on the quality of education provided to its citizens.

Socioeconomic growth and economic performance hinge on the standard of education received by the population. 

This highlights the importance of focusing on the foundations of education for human resource development, particularly at an early age.

Hence, it is unfortunate to hear of examination malpractices among Ghanaian students, disturbingly at the junior and senior high schools.

This embarrassing situation keeps recurring annually.

The annual report by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) on exam malpractices has been disturbing and serves as a stark indictment of the country's education system.

It is unacceptable that the youth, who are the future leaders, engage in such corrupt practices and despicable behaviours, aided by some parents, guardians and teachers who have lost their moral high ground.

Human character

Education is undeniably the key to building human character, aligning with Socrates' view that “The value of a man is in his character,” and Heraclitus' statement that “A man’s character is his fate.”

This highlights the importance of raising children in disciplined environments to avoid negative traits that lead to self-destructive behaviours and to protect them from moral corruption.

These young people should be shaped into outstanding future leaders.

Yet, they are currently caught in cheating, seeking easy solutions and taking shortcuts with support from figures who should serve as role models and mentors.

If this issue isn’t addressed quickly and allowed to continue, the country’s professional class cannot be relied upon to drive the transformative progress we all desire.

No justification can excuse the misconduct of those involved in this shameful activity.

Hippocrates once said, “Make a habit of two things to help or at least to do no harm.”

Various educational institutions bear the responsibility of mentoring these students into twenty-first-century, relevant, educated Ghanaians

 Unfortunately, the entities involved are harming and destroying the fabric of future leadership through corrupt training.

The future of the nation is at stake.

Nonetheless, if this despicable act is allowed to persist, the credibility of the certificates and graduates produced in Ghana would suffer.

Ghana remains a country of choice for many West African countries for pre-tertiary and tertiary education.

It helps generate funds internally for educational institutions.

The persistence of this embarrassing state of affairs would erode the decades of confidence other jurisdictions repose in the country’s education system.

Enforce discipline

Additionally, authorities should enforce discipline within the education sector.

Institutions that facilitate examination malpractices should face strict sanctions to deter others.

Moreover, examination centres that have a history of endemic cheating should be closed down.

This would help to sanitise the examination process and restore credibility to our certificates. 

The former American President Thomas Jefferson once said, “In matters of style swim with the current; in matters of principle stand like a rock.”

In principle, WAEC, as the custodian of these exam papers and the organisers, is expected to keep them in lawful custody.

Therefore, to achieve credible examinations, WAEC should ensure that the various centres, invigilators and monitors are well-cultured in the hallmark of discipline to eschew examination malpractices.

The examining body should implement a raft of measures to curtail this disgraceful act.

Technology

It is disheartening to hear that social media, a technology that has assisted and continues to assist education worldwide and plays a pivotal role in teaching and learning, is being used as the vehicle.

Unfortunately, social media has become a catalyst that propels and promotes this embarrassing and corrupt behaviour.

It is incumbent upon school authorities to project the positive aspects of social media to the students. 

We owe it to raise the next generation with discipline, integrity, dignity and a sense of hard work.

These children should be given every reason to eschew corruption, an easy life and cheating. If the present generation inculcates in these future leaders such negative behaviour, the country stands to suffer.

The writer is the 
Head, Corporate Affairs 
Complementary Education Agency
     (Ministry of Education)