The Federal Government has unveiled a comprehensive set of reforms targeting widespread examination malpractice, including the mandatory use of the National Identification Number (NIN) for all examination-related documentation, the installation of CCTV cameras in all exam centres, and the creation of a special Examination Malpractice Court or Tribunal to expedite the prosecution of offenders.
The recommendations, developed by a 17-member committee chaired by Ishaq Oloyede, Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), were submitted to Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education in Abuja.
Alausa while commending the committee’s work, said that the committee, has worked tirelessly over the past five months to propose these far-reaching measures
“These recommendations are designed to protect the sanctity of our examinations and safeguard the future of our children. If we don’t act now, the menace of exam malpractice will completely destroy our education system,” he said
Among the proposals are:
NIN integration: All certificates, registration and result slips must include the candidate’s NIN, photograph, and date of birth to prevent impersonation and identity fraud.
Monitoring and surveillance: Every examination centre is to be equipped with stationary CCTV cameras and a mini control room for real-time monitoring. Additionally, body camcorders are to be deployed for on-ground invigilators to deter malpractice.
Personnel accountability: Invigilators and supervisors must register through NIN and examination shortcodes (such as JAMB’s 55019/66019) to allow for tracking and verification.
Invigilator swapping pilot: Starting with the 2025 private SSCE, invigilators and supervisors will be randomly assigned across centres to eliminate local collusion, although candidates will remain at their registered centres.
Public officer involvement: Wherever possible, examination personnel should be public servants or pensionable staff to ensure accountability.
Strict centre standards: No waivers will be granted for examination hall requirements, with a mandatory seating spacing of at least 1.8 square metres per candidate.
Digital exam E expansion: The committee endorsed fast-tracking the implementation of Computer-Based Examinations (CBE), beginning with objective papers in 2025 and full implementation for school candidates by 2026.
Legal reform: The Federal Ministry of Education is advised to collaborate with the National Assembly to establish a dedicated Malpractice Tribunal, while also reviewing the largely dormant 1999 Examination Malpractice Act to ensure enforceability.
Continuous assessment review: The current 30% Continuous Assessment (CA) component, reportedly vulnerable to corruption, should be reviewed by relevant educational agencies to curb abuse.
Speaking further, the Minister condemned so-called “miracle centres” exam locations notorious for organised cheating and urged their operators to repurpose their businesses toward genuine education. “Use your centres to teach, not to cheat. Do not mess up the future of our children,” he warned.
