New Tribunal Will Tackle Malpractice and Restore Integrity in the Education System
In a bold move to curb rising examination malpractices, the Federal Government of Nigeria has proposed the creation of a National Examination Malpractice Court/Tribunal to swiftly prosecute offenders and deter future infractions.
This recommendation emerged from a 17-member committee, inaugurated in January 2025, and led by Professor Is-haq Oloyede, the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). The committee was tasked with improving the quality of examinations in Nigeria.
⚖️ Why a Special Court?
Speaking at the submission of the interim report, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, acknowledged the need for an Act of the National Assembly to back the establishment of the tribunal. He commended the recommendations and promised swift implementation, stating:
“All the 12 recommendations you reeled out are practicable. We will start implementation immediately.”
🔍 Key Recommendations from the Committee
Here are some of the noteworthy reforms proposed:
✅ Identity and Certification Integrity
All academic documents (certificates, result slips, etc.) should contain:
National Identification Number (NIN)
Photograph
Date of Birth
✅ Strict Monitoring and Verification
Invigilators and supervisors must register through NIN and verify via a central Short Code system, similar to JAMB’s 55019/66019.
Swapping of invigilators/supervisors (not students) between exam centers will commence with the 2025 Private SSCE.
✅ Public Officers Only
Preferably, only public officials or pensionable teachers should be engaged as invigilators and supervisors.
✅ Enhanced Security Measures
All exam centers must install stationary CCTV cameras and have a monitoring control room.
Use of body camcorders and establishment of a central control facility for joint use by WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, and NBAIS.
✅ Tech Integration
Computer-Based Examinations (CBE) should begin with objective questions in private exams from 2025, and fully adopted for school candidates by 2026.
✅ Continuous Assessment Reforms
The current 30% Continuous Assessment model is prone to abuse.
It should be immediately reviewed by the NERDC to restore transparency and credibility.
🧒🏾 From Cradle to Career: Unique Education Identity
Another key reform suggests that every Nigerian child should be assigned a unique education code at the basic school level, linked to their NIN and traceable throughout their academic life.
📜 Towards Implementation
The Committee criticized the non-enforcement of the 1999 Examination Malpractice Act, calling for its review and immediate implementation. The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fight examination malpractice using all legal and institutional tools available.
“We must protect the sanctity of our education system,” Dr. Alausa emphasized.
🧠 Final Thoughts
These reforms represent a landmark step toward educational integrity in Nigeria. If implemented fully, they could redefine examination credibility and restore global confidence in Nigerian certificates.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Is Nigeria ready for a Malpractice Court?