Erasing the Malpractice Culture: An Insecurity to Our Educational System

I recently stumbled upon a Facebook reel that left me deeply unsettled. The content, though seemingly humorous to some, was a stark reminder of how far we’ve strayed. The uneducated creator, probably unaware of the ripple effects of his post, shamelessly projected examination malpractice as a staple of Nigerian student life. What’s worse, he confidently eroded the credibility of external exam officials, portraying them as enemies of “progress” instead of custodians of academic integrity.

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While the reckless antics of attention-seeking content creators and their obsession with virality is a topic for another day, today I want to focus on a more pressing issue: the dangerous normalisation of examination malpractice in Nigeria. What used to be a hidden vice is now paraded openly and, in some quarters, even celebrated. It’s no longer an act of desperation by the unprepared; it’s becoming a culture. And this is where we must draw the line.

It is shameful that even at the foundational level, such as in primary school, children are being taught the “shortcut” to success. Parents, teachers, and community members who should be role models are now active collaborators in examination malpractice. What message are we sending to the next generation? That merit is irrelevant? That success is a product of manipulation rather than hard work?

Let’s move beyond sentiment and face reality. In August 2024, WAEC withheld the results of 215,267 candidates who sat for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), citing alleged examination malpractice. That’s nearly 12% of the entire student population for that sitting. This is not just an unfortunate statistic; it is a national emergency.

In the same year, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) disclosed that over 64,000 candidates had their UTME results withheld for reasons ranging from impersonation to mobile phone smuggling and hired mercenaries writing exams on students’ behalf. Across tertiary institutions, the story isn’t any better. Kwara State University expelled 175 students for involvement in exam malpractice. Moshood Abiola Polytechnic suspended 19 students. And these are just the ones who were caught. How many more are slipping through the cracks?

One of the most jaw-dropping incidents was captured by Instablog: a young corps member proudly declaring that he passed all his exams through cheating. Rather than expressing shame, he seemed to wear his dishonesty like a badge of honour. This is the mindset we are breeding, where deceit is applauded and integrity is mocked.

Many people think examination malpractice is just a “harmless” shortcut. But the real effects are far more dangerous. When students cheat their way through school, we end up with incompetent graduates: doctors who can’t diagnose, engineers who can’t build, teachers who can’t teach. This directly puts lives at risk and slows national development. When a certificate no longer proves competency, employers stop trusting academic qualifications. This leads to unemployment, underemployment, and a general distrust of Nigerian graduates, both locally and internationally.

Just recently, over 100 Nigerian nurses in the UK were under investigation for allegedly engaging in malpractice during their qualifying exams. Many lost their jobs, and Nigeria’s reputation took yet another blow. A student who learns to cheat in school often carries that mindset into adulthood. It is the same logic behind forged election results, fake CVs, and inflated government contracts. Exam malpractice is the gateway drug to systemic corruption.

We must say this over and over again: malpractice is not our culture. It is a betrayal of everything noble about education. It is a cancer that must be identified and surgically removed. We must never allow it to be normalized, glamorized, or institutionalized. There is nothing smart about cheating. There is nothing noble about dishonesty. And there is nothing cultural about robbing yourself of the opportunity to grow.

To quote a powerful statement from a user on X: “Engaging in malpractice during an examination or assessment is among the most reprehensible actions one can undertake. My aversion to such behavior is boundless. It serves as a testament to one’s intellectual defeat, a clear indication that one has rendered themselves incapable of attaining anything meritoriously. It reflects a profound disregard for one’s own integrity. I would prefer to forfeit an examination for which I am unprepared than resort to cheating. I hold too much respect for myself to tarnish my dignity with such an abhorrent act.” And there it is.

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If you’re wondering why societal issues persist despite the thousands of graduates we produce every year, look no further. We are minting degree holders, not problem solvers. We are raising paper champions, not nation builders. Why? Because we have allowed mediocrity, dishonesty, and shortcuts to define our academic journey. If we want a future where our graduates are truly skilled, respected, and impactful, then we must start by restoring integrity to our classrooms and exam halls.

Teachers must resist the pressure to aid malpractice. Parents must teach their children to earn their grades, not buy them. Students must understand that cheating robs them of their own growth. Government agencies must enforce strict punishments, and society must stop celebrating fraud. Enough is enough. Let this be a rallying cry: Exam malpractice is not our culture, and it must never become one. We must stand against it—not tomorrow, not later, but now.