Achieving Standard in Secondary Education through the Eradication of Examination Malpractices: The Nigerian Experience

Abstract

Examination malpractice had been and is still a serious canker-worm toNigerian education system. This hydra-headed monster has eaten deep intothe bone marrows of Nigerians even from primary school levels to tertiaryinstitutions. No wonder, the researchers sought to find out the opinions ofprincipals, teachers and students in Nigeria about examination malpractices.They also attempted to ascertain strategies for the eradication ofexamination malpractices to achieve standard in secondary school system.The study was a descriptive survey carried out in three political zones ofNigeria. The sample size comprised 37 principals, 560 secondary schoolteachers and 2254 senior secondary school students. 5 research questionsand 3 null hypotheses tested at p < 0.05 guided the study. The results of the finding were, among others, that with examination malpractices the nation cannot achieve standard in secondary education. Based on the findings, recommendations were made, among which was that certificates should be de-emphasized while on the job practical examinations should beemphasized.