WAEC Wants Computer-Based Testing to Curb Exam Malpractice,

'Miracle Centres'

The single sharpest fact in one or two punchy sentences. Who did what, where, when, and why it matters. Not a summary of everything — the one thing that makes someone stop scrolling.

A few weeks ago, Benue State became the latest to join the fray in the battle against exam malpractice in Nigeria. The West African Examination Council (WAEC) had raised the alarm about 'miracle centres' in the state where students allegedly go to cheat during exams.

According to WAEC, these 'miracle centres' are usually schools or locations with well-equipped facilities that assist students in cheating during exams. The council wants to use computer-based testing (CBT) to curb this trend.

Mr Timothy Manga, a senior official with WAEC in Makurdi, has called for the use of CBT to stop malpractice. He said such a system would help ensure that students are examined under conditions that are independent of their schools.

'Miracle centres undermine hard work', he said. 'Any system that rewards students for cheating undermines those who have worked hard to prepare for examinations.'

He said that schools should focus on providing quality teaching rather than helping students cheat.

But, Mrs Rebecca Ezekiel, a teacher at NKST Secondary School, Makurdi, disagrees with Manga. She said that CBT would enable examination bodies to exercise greater control over examination venues, personnel, and security arrangements.

'Candidates should be examined under conditions that are independent of the schools where they receive instruction,' she said.

She recommended the deployment of biometric verification, Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras, and other technologies to strengthen examination monitoring.

Mr Jude Odeh, a school proprietor in Otukpo Local Government Area, said some schools in Benue charge examination fees arbitrarily and when combined with school fees, the total cost becomes too high for some parents to bear.

He said that these schools then attract students from all over the country who are willing to pay high fees to cheat during exams.

The post WAEC Wants Computer-Based Testing to Curb Exam Malpractice, 'Miracle Centres' appeared first on Vanguard News.

### CBT Would Give WAEC Greater Control Over Exams

Mrs Ezekiel said CBT would enable examination bodies to exercise greater control over examination venues, personnel, and security arrangements. She said candidates should be examined under conditions that are independent of the schools where they receive instruction.

'Schools should be known for quality teaching rather than helping students cheat during exams,' Mr Manga said.

### Parents Pay Huge Fees for Their Children to Cheat

Mr Odeh said some parents pay huge fees to send their children to schools that help them cheat during exams.

### Miracle Centres Exist Despite Lack of Confirmation

Though WAEC has not confirmed the existence of any 'miracle centre' in Benue, the council is taking steps to prevent exam malpractice. Mr Manga said WAEC would continue to monitor the situation and set an example with any school found to be involved in malpractice.

### Schools Could Be Closed If Found Guilty

If a school is found to be involved in exam malpractice, WAEC could close it down. Mr Manga said this would be a major blow to the school and its administration.

### CBT Would Help Identify Cheaters

Biometric verification and CCTV cameras would help identify students who cheat during exams. This would make it difficult for students to cheat without being detected.

### 'Miracle Centres' Have Been a Problem for Years

Exam malpractice has been a problem in Nigeria for years. Schools have been found to be helping students cheat during exams.

### What's Next?

WAEC plans to introduce CBT to curb exam malpractice. This would involve using computer-based testing to ensure that students are examined under conditions that are independent of their schools.

#### Key Facts

  • Mr Timothy Manga, a senior official with WAEC in Makurdi, has called for the use of CBT to stop malpractice.
  • According to WAEC, 'miracle centres' are usually schools or locations with well-equipped facilities that assist students in cheating during exams.
  • Mrs Rebecca Ezekiel, a teacher at NKST Secondary School, Makurdi, recommended the deployment of biometric verification, Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras, and other technologies to strengthen examination monitoring.
  • Mr Jude Odeh, a school proprietor in Otukpo Local Government Area, said some schools in Benue charge examination fees arbitrarily.
  • According to WAEC, computer-based testing (CBT) would enable examination bodies to exercise greater control over examination venues, personnel, and security arrangements.
  • Mrs Ezekiel said candidates should be examined under conditions that are independent of the schools where they receive instruction.
  • Mr Odeh said some parents pay huge fees to send their children to schools that help them cheat during exams.
  • Mr Manga said schools should be known for quality teaching rather than helping students cheat during exams.
  • According to Mr Manga, if a school is found to be involved in exam malpractice, it could be closed down.