write an essay on exam malpractice

Examination Malpractice: Causes, Effects, And Solutions

Did you know that one million dollars are lost to examination malpractices in Nigeria every year? 

50% of Nigerian students have been victims of examination malpractice. They failed a subject or an exam due to examination malpractices.

Or that a teacher or lecturer is involved in over 70% of these cases, and sometimes, even the Principal. These are just some of the sad truths about examination malpractices in Nigeria.

Examination malpractices are scandals that have taken over the Nigerian education sector. 

In this article, we will look into the major causes, effects, and solutions to examination malpractices in Nigeria's educational sector.

Effects of examination malpractices on students are closely associated with poor results and low academic performances. 

Low academic performances affect both students' native aptitude, their future development as well as their future career opportunities. 

The effects exam malpractice can have on students can be demotivating and discouraging. Those suffering from the problem may eventually affect their performance later on in life.

But before we look into the causes, effects, and solutions to examination malpractices in Nigeria, let's quickly check what examination malpractice is.

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What Is Examination Malpractice?

Examination Malpractice is defined as a deliberate illegal act contrary to the rules and regulations of the official examination.

In another way, it can be defined as illegal or improper conduct by a candidate of an examination with the aim to pass an exam.

This illegal act is alarming in our educational sector today. Many students are always on the lookout for means to cheat in their exams. 

Cheating in examinations is a problem prevalent in our society today, as a result of an abundance of examination malpractices.

Now, let's check the causes of examination malpractice in our Nigerian schools today.

Causes Of Examination Malpractice In Schools

There are many factors that cause examination malpractice among students in Nigeria and other countries. 

Some of them are:

1. Fear of failure.

2. Laziness of students.

3. Lack of self-confidence.

4. Poor quality teaching.

5. Bad school management.

6. Poor parental upbringing.

7. Peer pressure.

8. Inadequate study materials.

9. High level of poverty.

10. Bad government practices.

11. Teacher's attitude to work.

12. Poor supervision.

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As you can see, all these factors can cause students to engage in examination malpractice in school.

However, I am going to explain some of these factors and how they impact examination malpractice in our schools today.

1. Fear of Failure

Many students engage in examination malpractices because they are afraid that they will fail the exams. 

When they should spend quality time reading their notes they are panicking about the examination. The fear of failure is one of the major causes of illegal acts in exams today.

2. Laziness of Students

Yes, it is hundred per cent true that many students are very lazy in their academic careers. 

They are lazy to read and study notes, do their home works and assignments, and carry out the tasks given to them by their teachers or lecturers. 

Laziness will make any students go the extra mile (illegal ways) to pass exams.

3. Poor Parental Upbringing

You will agree with me that poor parental upbringing is one of the major causes of examination malpractice in Nigeria today.

Many parents do not have time to train their children in the right way because of work and busyness. And the parents who have the time to teach their children taught them in the wrong way.

Lack of proper home training has caused some students to engage in examination malpractices because they don't find anything wrong with it.

4. High Level of Poverty

Indeed, poverty makes some students engage in examination malpractices because education and schooling require parents to spend money on their children.

Some parents could not afford to buy textbooks, novels, and other necessary materials for their children. This leads to the students cheating in examinations.

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5. Bad Government Practices

The government is the body controlling the educational sector from nursery schools to tertiary institutions.

If the government engage in some bad practices, it will affect the education sector. 

A corrupt government will produce corrupt officials. This will lead to students engaging in examination malpractices. 

Why? Because teachers, lecturers, and education officials are involved in these illegal practices too.

6. Teacher's Attitude To Work

Here is another cause of examination malpractices many people are not talking about.

Teachers' bad attitude to work enhances the high rate of examination malpractices in Nigeria.

Some teachers or lecturers are indeed lazy to teach students in class as they ought to. 

For instance, some teachers or lecturers have not covered the quarter (1/4) of the syllabus they are supposed to teach for a term or semester. 

Yet they set out questions on every topic in the syllabus for the students in the exam. How do you expect them to pass? Some of the students will settle to cheat in exams.

Right now, you might be asking yourself if examination malpractices have effects on students?

Yes, it does. So, what are the effects of examination malpractices on students?

Effects Of Examination Malpractices On Students

Here, I have explained the 7 powerful effects of examination malpractice on students in another post.

Go here to read the article now -   7 Effects Of Examination Malpractices On Students

Now, that you've known what examination malpractice is, the causes, and the effects on students. Let's quickly check the solution to it.

Solutions To Examination Malpractices In Nigeria

What can we do to eliminate these illegal practices in Nigeria? Here are some of the solutions to eradicate the problem of examination malpractices in Nigeria:

1. Good Parental Upbringing

"Charity begins at home," they say. If we are going to eradicate examination malpractices, it must begin at home.

Parental upbringing contributes a lot to these illegal acts in exams. 

So, it is the role of the parents to give their children proper home training and teach them against examination malpractices.

A student with solid home training will not engage in these improper activities in exams.

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2. Punishment of Students

Another practical and effective solution to examination malpractices in Nigeria is to punish students found engaging in any illegal acts during exams.

Other students will take caution when they know there is severe punishment for any illegal or misconduct during exams.

This will help to reduce examination malpractices gradually in schools today.

3. Good School Management

Good school management includes good quality teaching, good equipment and facilities, a conducive environment, adequate study materials, and so on.

This will help students pay more attention in class and be more serious with their studies.

4. Increment In The Salaries Of Teachers

Teachers and lecturers should be appreciated for their hard work and rewarded equally. 

This will make them have the right attitude to work and carry out their duties accordingly.

Also, an increment in the salaries of teachers will reduce examination malpractices in Nigeria.

5. Government Should Encourage Education

The government has a role to play in eradicating examination malpractices in Nigeria.

The government should encourage and spend more on education. It should provide more facilities and equipment and other necessary things for schools.

Examination malpractice is very alarming in Nigeria. This act is reducing our national integrity and values.

The government, teachers, parents, and students have roles to play in eradicating these illegal acts in schools during exams. 

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Examination Malpractice: Causes, Effect and Solution of Exam Malpractice

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The incidences of examination malpractice are common everywhere and every examination season witnesses the emergence of new ingenious way of cheating. However, the problem identified in this studied are stated as follows: i mediocrity: generally, the standard of education in Nigeria is not in good conditions as examination malpractices has deteriorated the system. Examination malpractice is an unethical act because it encourages mediocrity in that students who succeed through such unorthodox methods may be rated equal to those who struggle on their own to excel. ii half-baked graduate: Nigerian education system has been marked with the weakness of producing unemployable graduates-graduates who need to attend further training before they could be fit for a job. The most disheartening of all these is that education corruption is being perpetrated by all cadre of people involved in education sector, viz: the government, lecturers, parents, teachers, students etc. in fact it is frustrating that all the stakeholders in education are involved in promoting education corruption. Given the prevalence of examination malpractices in our universities, results tend to give a false picture of the state of affairs; hence a good number of school graduates cannot defend the excellent certificate they are brandishing. iii knowledge gap: This implies that a discrepancy exists in the knowledge that people of varying socioeconomic levels attain when engaging mass media content as a result of examination malpractices. In other words, the information-rich get richer when reading newspapers or watching television news reports, whereas those with relatively less background knowledge typically gain information at a comparatively lesser rate. iv incompetence of professionals in different economic sectors: The nature of examination malpractice has resulted in high turnover of incompetent graduates by institutions of higher learning. It is also posing a great threat to the survival and sustainability of good quality education, integrity and credibility of the certificates awarded. Most of the social ills, including medical malpractice by incompetent doctors, manufacture and sale of fake drugs by pharmacists, collapse of building designed by fraudulent engineers, massive fraud in banks, miscarriage of justice, rigging of election by unelected politicians, poor quality pastors who take advantage of their members, mass failure in examination etc, are consequences of examination malpractice and all these will impede productivity in the country. When employed by companies, much money is expended retraining them because they are product of examination malpractice thereby lowering productivity.

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This paper examined causes and consequences of examination malpractice on the academic achievement of Office Technology and Management (OTM) students in Polytechnics in SouthWestern zone of Nigeria. The population of the study comprised all HND I and HND II in the five States and four Federal Polytechnics offering OTM in SouthWestern zone of Nigeria. Through random sampling method, three States and two Federal Polytechnics were selected as sample for the study. A total of 512 HND I and HND II students were eventually selected out of 682 students through stratified sampling method. Questionnaire was the major instrument used to gather data for the study; while, mean and standard deviation were used to analyse the data gathered. It was found that government non-implementation of examination malpractice decree and inadequate preparation for examinations were some of the causes of examination malpractices; also, the study confirmed that irreversible loss of credibility and dismissal from school were the consequences of examination malpractice on OTM students and that implementation of examination malpractice decree and adequate preparation for examinations among others were the ways of minimizing or eliminating examination malpractices among OTM students. It was recommended that government should endeavour to implement examination malpractice Act No 33 of 1999 which stipulated a minimum punishment of N50,000 and a maximum of five years imprisonment without option of fine for students who involved in examination malpractices. If the government implements this Act, examination malpractices may be minimized or eliminated totally and that students should endeavour to prepare adequately for examinations by developing effective study s before, during and after the examination in order to excel in their studies.

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The scourge of examination malpractice has increasingly become a major source of concern to education authorities in most West African countries, particularly in Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal and Gambia. Recently, the West African Examination Council (WAEC) withheld the results of 180,205 candidates representing 11.33 percent of the total candidates who sat for the 2019 WAEC examination as a result of various reported cases of examination malpractices. Examination malpractice is a threat to quality in education and the society. Considering the potentials of technology in addressing many of the challenges of humanity especially in the educational sector, there is need to examine ways by which it can be used to curb the menace of examination malpractice. Thus, the present study discusses the use of technology to mitigate examination malpractices in West Africa. The study shows that technology offers solutions for mitigation of examination malpractices in West Africa. Some of these technologies include Facial Recognition Technology, Biometric system, and CCTV cameras. The study recommends that government and other stakeholders in education should pay more attention to the issues that causes examination malpractice, and also provide the needed facilities to encourage the use of technologies in education particularly in conduct of examinations.

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Write An Essay On Examination Malpractice | A Bane to Education

Examination malpractice, a scourge that has permeated the educational system worldwide and particularly in Nigeria, presents a significant threat to the development of a robust and equitable society. This essay aims to dissect the root causes, implications, and potential solutions for this deeply ingrained issue. Amidst the landscape of academic achievement, examination malpractice emerges as a destructive force, undermining the integrity of education and the value of genuine knowledge acquisition.

Table of Contents

Essay: The Plague of Examination Malpractice: A Closer Look

Examination malpractice is a deeply concerning issue, one that corrodes the very foundations of our educational system. It is the act of violating rules and regulations set for examinations, often characterized by dishonest actions such as cheating, plagiarism, impersonation, collusion, and the leakage of exam questions.

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Examination malpractice is not an isolated incident, but a product of various underlying factors. The pressure to excel academically often pushes students into the abyss of malpractice. This pressure is often a combination of societal expectations and parental pressure. Moreover, poor study habits, inadequate preparation, and fear of failure also contribute to students resorting to unethical means during examinations. Furthermore, insufficient supervision and lax examination procedures raise opportunities for malpractice, highlighting the need for stringent monitoring mechanisms in the examination system.

The Impact on Students and the Educational System

Examination malpractice is not without consequences. For students, it erodes academic integrity, undermines personal growth, and reduces self-esteem. Over-reliance on dishonest means during exams can greatly affect a student’s learning outcomes and knowledge acquisition. The long-term effects can be severe, leading to limited career prospects and a tainted reputation.

The education system also suffers from examination malpractices. The credibility and fairness of the system take a substantial hit. It creates an environment where the hard work of honest students is devalued, and it discourages effort and diligence. Further, it hampers the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills, integral for the progress of any society.

Addressing Examination Malpractice

The fight against examination malpractice requires collective action from all stakeholders. Strengthening examination procedures and ensuring strict supervision is a vital step. A culture of academic integrity and ethical conduct should be promoted among students. Innovative teaching and learning methods need to be encouraged to diminish the dependency on rote memorization. A system of consequences and penalties, including academic and legal, should be enforced effectively against those found guilty of examination malpractices.

In conclusion, examination malpractice is a gloomy shadow that looms over the educational system, eating into the integrity of the system and negatively affecting students and society as a whole. A combined effort from education institutions, policymakers, parents, and students is needed to pull education out of this quagmire and restore faith in the system.

Hello! Welcome to my Blog StudyParagraphs.co. My name is Angelina. I am a college professor. I love reading writing for kids students. This blog is full with valuable knowledge for all class students. Thank you for reading my articles.

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What is examination malpractice: causes, effects, and solutions in Nigeria

In almost every country in the modern-day world, examinations are among the primary methods of assessing learners' skills and knowledge. In Nigeria, these exams come in the form of primary school exams, secondary school exams, and those conducted in higher learning institutions. Still, one of the biggest challenges in carrying out these assessments is examination malpractice. This vice has eaten so deep into the Nigerian education system that it can no longer be ignored. What is examination malpractice, and what are its effects?

Exam malpractice comes in numerous forms and can include any of a wide range of parties, including the examinees, tutors, examiners, and other external forces.

What is examination malpractice?

The definition of examination malpractice is improper or illegal conduct by an examination candidate (examinee) with the intention of passing the examination. While some debate on examination malpractice as a result of inadequate preparation, others believe it is driven by the pressure to achieve high grades.

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Types of examination malpractice

To define examination malpractice, one must understand that exams are designed to take place under a set of standards. When these standards are breached, it is often in the form of one or more forms of malpractice. Here are the various forms that exam malpractice can take.

• Impersonation: This is one of the best-known forms of examination malpractice in numerous countries worldwide, including Nigeria . Impersonation is the act of pretending to be another person with the aim of helping them cheat and pass the exams.
• External assistance: This vice usually involves exam officers who receive bribes from candidates in exchange for assistance before, during, or after the examinations. These officers can sometimes threaten students, forcing them to part with bribes.
• Giraffing: This term is derived from the physical features of the giraffe, particularly its long neck. This malpractice involves a situation in which an examinee cranes their neck to view what their neighbour is writing and copy it. It is among the oldest forms of exam malpractice.
• Inscription: This involves inscribing notes on one's body or materials allowed into the exam room. Some of the most common include writing notes on one's palm, tables, examination hall walls, and small pieces of paper.
• Collusion: This is the vice that results in what is commonly known as exam leakage. Typically, a candidate colludes with an officer of the exam-setting body, allowing them to get a copy of the questions in advance. They then revise the exact questions.
• Intimidation/assault: Students sitting their exams can sometimes intimidate or assault the officers invigilating the exams. This can be in brandishing weapons or any other form of assault. The exam officers are then forced to let the candidates carry out their wishes, often some other form of cheating .

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What are the five causes of examination malpractice?

Here are the primary causes of exam malpractice in Nigeria.

1. Parenting failure

Parenting is, quite often, the beginning of numerous virtues and vices. Parents typically play an integral role in examination malpractice in Nigeria. Some parents have little interest in their children's academic life.

When exam time comes around, some of these parents are often at the forefront in facilitating cheating for their children to get good grades.

2. A corrupt educational system

One of the most significant aspects to blame is the extent of the rot in the education sector. Today, education is viewed as a business, with some school owners willing to do anything to ensure their institutions come out on top.

Additionally, some institutions employ untrained teachers to reduce their operations costs. This affects students' performance, making them resort to unorthodox methods to attain good grades.

3. Poor students attitude

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Since students are the common factor in all forms of malpractice, they bear the biggest responsibility in the vice. Some students have been known to be lazy and seek any shortcut to good grades that do not involve studying and working hard.

Some students do not believe in the tried and tested attributes such as dedication and consistency. As a result of this poor attitude, such students often tend to resort to various forms of examination malpractice.

4. Environmental (societal) factors

Nigerian candidates have found themselves in a society where examination malpractice is celebrated and, sometimes, justified. The environment has a way of influencing students who are quick to embrace norms.

In a society that will go to any lengths to succeed, cheating has become one of the somewhat accepted vices in society.

5. Undue emphasis on academic results

Exam malpractices are on the rise partly due to the high-value society has placed on academic results over skills and professionalism. Thus, everybody wants to get that piece of paper by hook or crook.

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What are the 10 effects of examination malpractice?

Examination malpractice can have various negative effects on individuals, educational institutions, and society as a whole. Here are some of the undesirable effects brought about by exam malpractices.

• Underdevelopment: One of the primary reasons most underdeveloped countries find themselves in precarious situations is the lack of qualified personnel in various economic sectors. This happens when the education sector constantly produces unqualified people who only pass their examinations through cheating.
• Unqualified professionals: Examination malpractice may result in individuals passing exams without the necessary skills and knowledge, leading to a workforce with inadequately qualified professionals.
• Negative impact on prospects: Students involved in examination malpractice may face difficulties in the future, as employers and higher education institutions might question the authenticity of their qualifications.
• Increased corruption: Corruption is among Nigeria's biggest economic problems. Looking at the vice critically, one can see that the corruption in numerous public offices stems from the country's generally corrupt societal and education systems. If students cheat in their exams, they believe they can get away with any form of corruption afterwards.
• Legal and disciplinary consequences: In some cases, examination malpractice can lead to legal actions or disciplinary measures, resulting in serious consequences for the individuals involved.
• Erosion of academic integrity: Examination malpractice undermines the values of honesty, integrity, and fair competition in the educational system, leading to a lack of trust and respect for academic achievements.
• Degradation of educational standards: When students resort to cheating, the true assessment of knowledge and skills becomes compromised, leading to a decline in the overall quality of education.
• Reduced motivation to learn: Students who engage in malpractice may rely on cheating instead of genuinely learning, leading to a lack of motivation for academic excellence.
• Devaluation of certificates: Widespread malpractice can diminish the value of academic certificates and qualifications, impacting the credibility of the entire education system.
• Inequality among students: It can create an uneven playing field, benefiting those who cheat while disadvantaging honest students who work hard.

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What are the solutions to examination malpractice?

Here is a look at some of the possible measures that can be taken to curb exam malpractice.

• Creation of more schools and learning facilities: This will go a long way in ensuring Nigeria's classrooms are not overcrowded. As a result, examinees will have a harder time engaging in vices such as giraffing, which are common in overcrowded exam halls.
• Government should encourage education: In some developed countries, the government actively encourages the populace to acquire education. This is done through numerous incentives such as loans and grants. This goes a long way in curbing malpractice since the students' goals become attaining knowledge and skills.
• De-emphasizing the need for academic results: Given that people are endowed differently, reducing the emphasis placed on academic results would only make sense. Some people acquire knowledge and skills easily but cannot articulate them in an examination paper. Instead, employers should find ways to gauge someone's ability via practical skills, not written examinations.
• Rewarding those who report malpractices: In 2011, the government of Nigeria came up with a new way of nabbing corrupt government officials. This was via an incentive program to reward those who reported corruption cases. The same concept can be applied to exam malpractice.
• Encouraging good parental upbringing: Poor parenting plays a huge role in exam cheating. The government can develop social programs designed to change how parents view their roles in this modern digital era.

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What is the standard definition of examination malpractice in Nigeria?

Examination malpractice meaning is simply improper or illegal conduct by an examination candidate (examinee) with the intention of passing the examination.

What are the three forms of examination malpractice?

The common forms of examination malpractice include:

• Cheating: Involves using unauthorized materials, notes, or devices during an examination. It can also include copying from another student's paper or obtaining answers from external sources such as hidden notes.
• Plagiarism: The act of presenting someone else's work or ideas as your own without giving proper credit or acknowledgement.
• Impersonation: Occurs when a student takes an examination on behalf of someone else, pretending to be that person.

Why do students cheat in their exams?

There are numerous reasons, some of the most common being society's emphasis on academic certificates, overpopulated schools, and poor upbringing.

What are the effects of exam malpractice?

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Some of the most detrimental ones include underdevelopment, increased corruption, and a country's loss of integrity.

What is examination malpractice? This is any form of dishonest or fraudulent behavior carried out by individuals during an examination to gain an unfair advantage. It is considered a serious offense in educational settings and is condemned by educational institutions, governments, and society as a whole.

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Jackline Wangare (Lifestyle writer) Jackline Simwa is a content writer at Legit.ng, where she has worked since mid-2021. She tackles diverse topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. Previously, she worked at The Campanile by Kenyatta University. She has more than five years in writing. Jackline graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics (2019) and a Diploma in Marketing (2015) from Kenyatta University. In 2023, Jackline finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques and Google News Initiative course in 2024. Email: [email protected].

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Malpractice in exams and assessments.

Taking exams can be a pressured and stressful time, with a lot riding on your results. However, in order for exams to be fair for all and for results to be trusted, there are rules that apply to you and everyone taking exams and assessments. This doesn’t just mean cheating during the exam – there are also rules that apply before you take an exam or assessment, and afterwards. If you break those rules, this is known by exam boards as ‘malpractice’ and we have to investigate.

So, make sure you are aware of the rules you and every student are expected to follow. These are clearly set out in the Joint Council for Qualification’s (JCQ) information for candidates . We’ve summarised the main ones for you here.

Social media and online networking groups

Social media and online forums can be very useful for revision, research and advice but there are rules on what you can share and discuss about your exams online. Examples that could lead to an investigation include: 

• Sharing information about an exam or assessment if you have sat it before others 
• Passing on rumours or information about exam content 
• Posting your work online, in part or full, before an exam or assessment 
• Receiving help in producing your work, or helping others produce their work 
• Making comments about cheating in exams or assessments – jokes about this are not a good idea
• Failing to report exam-related rumours or information you have been sent by others.

Remember, we monitor social networking sites and internet forums.

Keep coursework, controlled assessment and non-exam assessment your own

Although some of the rules vary between qualifications, the general principles are the same: 

• All of your work should be yours and yours alone – even if there was some group work. 
• Do not loan your work to others – you can be penalised if they copy you, even if you didn’t know they were going to. 
• Make sure you reference your sources of research and anything you copy is marked as a quotation, including an acknowledgement of where it came from. 
• Type or write up your own work with your name and candidate number on every page.

Don't copy others – avoiding plagiarism

Plagiarism is submitting someone else's work as your own and/or not acknowledging your source correctly. It's one of the more common types of malpractice and can often occur by mistake. Here’s some advice on how to avoid it: 

• Planning – Writing a brief outline will help define the balance between your own original ideas and the ideas of your sources. 
• Research – Take thorough notes so your information is organised. Write down the key points in your own words and why they are useful for you. It’s good practice to look at more than one source for each aspect. Note down page numbers and URLs so you have a record of your sources and can easily find them again. 
• Writing up – Use your notes rather than the original sources, writing them up in your own words. Add a reference to all of the sources you used, even if you are not quoting directly. Remember to put direct quotes in quotation marks with a page reference or URL as acknowledgement. If you quote specific solutions or large sections of text, make sure you explain why you’ve quoted it and how it’s relevant, otherwise you may not be given credit and you may be penalised. It’s good practice to include a bibliography of all sources at the end. 

Remember, you don’t have to copy and paste something for it to be plagiarism – learning a passage off by heart and reproducing it also counts if you don’t acknowledge it.

Tips for success in the exam hall

Be prepared .

Try to arrive early, but don’t panic if you’re running late. Your school or college may allow you to start an exam late and still receive the full time (within reason). 

Take the time before you go in to make sure you’ve checked all your pockets and are ready to start. Make sure you don’t write any last-minute revision on your hands before your exam. Failing to wash it off properly is not an acceptable excuse. 

What not to take into an exam

Every year, invigilators discover students with mobile phones or other banned items on them. Many may have just forgotten to hand them in, but we can’t accept this as an excuse. Possession of a mobile phone (or any other internet-enabled device) in an exam, not just using it, is against the rules. 

What not to write in an exam

Some exams and assessments require you to discuss sensitive topics like race relations, equality or morality. It’s important to remember though that racist, sexist, lewd, homophobic or anti-religious group comments will be penalised. 

You must also not include obscene drawings or other offensive content. In extreme cases, penalties for this may extend to the rest of your exams.

How to report malpractice

So, you've followed the rules but you think other students may not. What do you do?

Your school or college must report all incidents of suspected malpractice – even minor ones – to the relevant exam board. If you suspect malpractice, talk to your teachers or exams officer and they can give you advice. For more information on how to report malpractice, see our whistleblowing section . 

When we investigate malpractice we follow the JCQ policies and procedures document Suspected Malpractice in Examinations and Assessments . 

Our investigations are confidential. We may ask for statements, documents, photos and any other relevant supporting evidence and anyone suspected of malpractice can submit a statement. They can also see the evidence against them, although we may delay disclosing all evidence if we feel it may affect our ability to investigate. 

We may share details of a malpractice decision with other awarding bodies, relevant authorities, and in some extremely serious cases, the police.

Examination Malpractice In Nigeria: Major Causes, Effects And Solutions

• Post author: Edeh Samuel Chukwuemeka ACMC
• Post published: May 24, 2024
• Post category: Scholarly Articles

Examination malpractice in Nigeria : Examination malpractice has eaten deep into the education system of Nigeria to the extent that it can no longer be totally defeated. Many scholars have corroborated the fact that examination malpractice cannot be easily eliminated in Nigeria any longer because a considerable number of students and parents in the country accepts it. It will also surprise you to know that 75% of students who take WAEC and JAMB examination in special centers around the country, where examination malpractice is prevalent, were advised by their parents to go there.

These days, school principals, teachers and even external examination supervisors help candidates to pass their examinations through examination malpractice just for them to get paid. Frankly speaking, education in Nigeria is really in a chronic state. Many scholars are of the view that there is actually no hard and fast rule for whipping off examination malpractice from the examination system of Nigeria.

In this article, i will be analyzing and discussing examination malpractice in Nigeria. Particularly, i will be looking at the forms of examination malpractice in Nigeria, the causes of examination malpractice in Nigeria, effects and solutions to the problem of examination malpractice in Nigeria.

On this note, if you have been searching the internet for an article that clearly explains examination malpractice in Nigeria, this is the article you have been looking for. Trust me; you will not regret reading this work.

Meanwhile, it is pertinent to note that the information provided in this article applies to all levels of education in Nigeria. So, the solutions highlighted here will be applicable for both primary, secondary and tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Without wasting any more time, lets quickly look at the definition of examination malpractice and its different forms.

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Table of Contents

Examination malpractice meaning

To understand the meaning of examination malpractice, it is important to take each word one after the other. First, an “ examination ” is a formal test of a person’s knowledge or proficiency in a subject or skill. In Nigeria, the test is usually conducted before a student will be allowed to graduate to a higher level of education.

According to Oxford learned dictionary, malpractice is an improper, illegal, or negligent professional behaviour . In law, malpractice has a different meaning (though not totally different). It means, negligence or lack of competence in the act of a professional in any field.

From the definitions given above, examination malpractice can simply be defined as an improper or illegal conduct by a candidate of an examination with the intention of passing the examination. Most times parents are to be blamed when students engage in examination malpractice because, they are responsible for the moral life of their children.

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It has also been stated by many scholars that to ensure a drastic decrease in the rate of examination malpractice in Nigeria, the role of parents is very important. In other words, parents can actually contribute to an increase or decrease in the rate of examination malpractice in Nigeria. This assertions will be explained later in this article. Meanwhile, lets quickly look at the forms of examination malpractice in Nigeria.

Kindly watch the video below for a more elaborate explanation of the problem of examination malpractice in the Nigerian education sector.

Forms of examination malpractice

Below are the different forms of examination malpractice in Nigeria:

1. Impersonation : This is one of the well known forms of examination malpractice in Nigeria. Impersonation is simply the act of pretending to be another person for the purpose of helping that person write an examination. This form of examination malpractice is very rampant in Nigeria. In fact, in Nigerian universities today, students who fail their courses don’t usually rewrite those courses themselves. They will rather pay someone to impersonate them and write the course for them.

The reason why this form of examination malpractice is rampant in Nigeria is because, the country has not attained the kind of technological advancement that is needed to avoid any type of impersonation. Take for instance, before WAEC examination is taken in Nigeria, there usually no scrutinizing of students before the examination starts. Thus, many engage in examination malpractice through Impersonation just to pass the examination.

Over the last two years, about 2000 candidates have been punished for impersonation during WAEC examination. This is to tell you the severity of this form of examination malpractice. It is indeed the most rampant form of examination malpractice in Nigeria today.

2. Smuggling of extraneous materials: Another form of examination malpractice in Nigeria that is used by almost every bad student is the bringing of extraneous materials into examination hall. Nowadays, students who cannot pay the money required for impersonation, usually come into the examination hall with extraneous materials to aid themselves in the examination. This could be by bringing notebooks, papers, mobile phones or laptops into the examination hall to source for information.

General speaking, bringing extraneous materials into examination hall is prohibited in most of the examinations conducted in Nigeria. But even at that, many student still engage in this form of examination malpractice, not minding what will be the punishment or outcome of their actions.

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3. External assistance: This form of examination malpractice is normal in examinations like JAMB UTME, WAEC and NECO. In this form of examination malpractice, it is actually the exam officers that come rescue students who did not prepare for the examination in return for some money. Sometimes, the exam officers can also threaten students to pay some money so that they can be helped or else, they will fail. In this case, both students who prepare very well for the examination and those who did not must engage in examination malpractice since that is the only way they can pass the examination.

This form of examination malpractice is rampant in Nigeria again. The reason is because, examination bodies like the West African Examination Council (WAEC), Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and even the National Examination Council (NECO) has made efforts to see that examination officers cannot ask students for money in other to pass the examination.

4. Copying during examination: This is a general form of examination malpractice. It is seen in both primary, secondary and tertiary education level in Nigeria.

Students in Nigeria who did not prepare very well for their examination end up coping from their classmates or friends just to pass the examination. In Nigeria, the act of coping during examination is known to be done by smart students because it is only a smart student that can copy from his classmates without being caught by their teacher/lecturer.

5. Collusion : Last on the forms of examination malpractice in Nigeria is collusion. This form of examination is always used during written examinations like WAEC and NECO. In this case, students share information passed (in paper) to them by their teachers to pass external examinations.

The answers that are shared among the students are usually the answers to the exact questions in the examination they are talking.

Many a time, this form of examination malpractice does not work because, students tend to share one particular answer. Thus, it will be very easy for the examination body to find out that there was actually examination malpractice in the examination center.

It is pertinent to note that almost all the examination bodies in Nigeria are already aware of the different forms of examination malpractice in the country. Frankly speaking, WAEC, NECO, JAMB and even POST UTME examination are very strict nowadays. In fact, it is very difficult if not impossible to engage in examination malpractice using any of the forms above. Thus, i enjoin every Nigerian student who is going through this article, to stop planning of engaging in examination malpractice in Nigeria because, those plans will definitely fail.

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Causes of examination malpractice in Nigeria

Below are the causes of examination malpractice in Nigeria:

• Failure of our education system
• Poor parental upbringing:
• Undue emphasis on Certificate
• Environmental factor
• Failure to prepare for examination
• Over population in schools

1. Failure of our education system: First and foremost, I must highlight the fact that the reason why many students cheat during examination is because of the failed education system of the country. In Nigeria today, many students have come to understand that they are wasting their time studying because it’s not going to pay off at the end of the day.

Think about it, after graduating from the university, many students end up in places where they are paid just N20,000 to N50,000 monthly which it totally unfair in some situations. On the other hand, the winner of the well known BBNaija show in Nigeria is paid over 90 million for just winning a competition that adds nothing to the society in the long run.

After considering all of this, a lot of Nigerian students are discouraged to continue putting in all their efforts in education because they believe it won’t pay off. The stress and pain they go through will surely end in sorrow so they prefer not paying to much attention to their studies.

In my school (The University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN), I know of many students who have this mindset I have explained above today and I don’t really blame them because the country is not really encouraging education in any way.

That is why many Nigerian students now are engaged in a lot of online scam. Some pay more attention to making money through bitcoin and other businesses than their education. This is a very big problem and it is one of the major causes of malpractice in the education sector.

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2. Poor parental upbringing: This is undoubtedly one of the most contributing causes of examination malpractice in Nigeria. As it is rightly said, charity begins at home. Anything a person displays in the public is what he was taught at home. If a child uses any of the forms of examination malpractice just to pass an examination, it is apparent that his actions is as a result of the kind of morals built in him/her as a child. This is why Poor parental upbringing is seen as one of the causes of examination malpractice in Nigeria today.

To further examine this point, i will tell you a story of a friend of mine who failed her first WAEC examination because of his parental upbringing. He took his first WAEC examination in 2017 but his results were withheld. The reason was because he depended so much on examination malpractice and WAEC found out. Before the examination, his parents told him not to worry about passing WAEC examination because they will make sure he had the best WAEC grades ever. That year, he didn’t read for the examination. In fact, was so happy because he thought he would pass without going through the stress other students were going through.

Unfortunately, when the result came out, WAEC withheld the result of all the students who took examination in the miracle center were he wrote the examination and never released it. That was how my beloved friend failed his first WAEC examination. The next year, he had to read very hard and his hard work actually paid off at last.

3. Undue emphasis on Certificate: The emphasis placed on school certification in Nigeria is becoming alarming. You will agree with me that many Nigerian students no longer care about learning in school any longer. What matters most to them is to make the best grades in all their subjects/courses.

I have noted in many of my articles that while it is important to remind students that making good grades is very important, teachers and Lecturers must ensure to tell them that making good grades is not the reason why they came to school. The goal is to learn in school and secondly, to make good grades.

They way teachers and parents lay emphasis on making good grades from school has actually caused many students to engage in examination malpractice just to make sure that they reach up to the required marks. For example, I know of a guy in my class who only cares about making good grades in school. He will never share his ideas with anybody because he wants to be the best in the class. Sometimes, he goes to the extent of paying teachers so that they will supply examination questions to him even before the examination.

In this case, it is not really this parents that caused him to engage in examination malpractice. It is the high level of emphasis placed on making good grades before graduating that caused him to engage in examination malpractice.

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4. Environmental factor: Believe it or not, environment matters too. The place a child grew up will also affect the way he see examination malpractice. I am saying this because I am one of the persons whose view of examination was affected by the environment.

In 2017 when I took my first external examination by the West African Examination Council (WAEC), i couldn’t resist the urge to register for examination in a miracle center because almost all my friends and age mates in my community register in a miracle center.

The only reason why I ended up not taking my WAEC examination in a miracle center was because my parents forced my not to. They were bent on making sure that I prepare and pass the examination all by myself. Eventually, I passed the exam with good grades and I can proudly say that in the public because I can defend my certificate.

The point I am trying to point here is that, sometimes students who engage in examination malpractice do so because their environment accepts it. That is to say, environmental factor is also one of the causes of examination malpractice.

5. Failure to prepare for examination: Unlike the old days, majority of students of nowadays don’t prepare for examination. They walk into their examination hall with empty heads and expect God to do magic for them. When they find out that can not pass the examination on their own, they will resort to examination malpractice as that is their only option.

A typical example of a student like this is my roommate when I was in 300level at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC). He never read his books for one day. What he new how to do best was to party with his friends and come back to school during weekends to do his assignments. During examinations, supervisors usually watch him closely because he is generally known as the king of examination malpractice. So you see, failing to prepare for examination is actually one of the causes of examination in our society today.

6. Over population in schools : What do you expect 150 students to do during examination when they are all congestion in classroom. Obviously, the environment is already encouraging examination malpractice in the first place. This is the case in almost all the government owned secondary and tertiary institution in Nigeria.

The reason why I am bringing up this point is because, I went to a government owned secondary school. During my days, we were about 250 in just one classroom. Our teachers don’t even care whether or not students are engaging in examination malpractice because the population was too much. Even the brilliant ones like me that always hid my answer during examination could no longer hide them because the classroom was too congested.

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Effects of examination Malpractice in Nigeria

Below are some of the likely effects of examination malpractice in Nigeria if nothing is done to reduce it:

• Dearth of professionals in Nigeria
• Decrease in the nation’s integrity
• Increase in corruption
• Underdevelopment. 

1. Dearth of professionals in Nigeria: Believe it or not, if examination malpractice is not given a good fight in Nigeria, the country will definitely get to a stage where there is dearth of professionals in every sector. What this means is that, there will be few or no professional doctors, lawyers and even engineers in the country.

Now, imagine a country where there is only a few number of good lawyers. Apparently, innocent citizens of that country is going to suffer because of injustice. Government will have a justification for all their evil deeds and unjust policies.

Accordingly, in a country where there is no professional and qualified doctor, people will die because of little sicknesses or professional misconducts on the part of the unqualified doctor. I know of a man in my community who died as a result of the overdose given to him by his own son who is a medical doctor. He was one of those rich men who will always pay for his child to pass any examination in school. Eventually, his own actions killed him. Obviously, his son is one of the products of examination malpractice.

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2. Decrease in the nation’s integrity: This is the case in Nigeria presently. In recent times, students prefer to study abroad than in Nigeria. The reason is because, people who studied in Nigeria are valued lesser than those who study abroad. The funniest part of it is the fact that, Nigerian students now prefer to study in less developed countries like Ghana, South Africa and even Gambia which Nigeria is far better than. This points to the fact that Nigeria’s education system is gradually declining and the nation’s integrity is going low too.

Nowadays, it is probably impossible to see a Nigerian, who graduated from a Nigerian university, going to further his/her education in Harvard or Manchester University. In fact, before top universities like Harvard or Manchester will admit a Nigeria, there must be proper scrutinizing of the student to be sure that he/she is truly academically sound.

3. Increase in corruption: Corruption is one of the biggest problems Nigeria is having today. In fact, i am of the opinion that corruption is the only problem in Nigeria because every other problem of Nigeria is as a result of corruption. One of the likely consequences of examination malpractice in Nigeria is an increase in corruption rate.

Trust me; if the students are taught to solely depend on examination malpractice to pass their examination, they will grow with the understanding that cheating is not really bad. Undoubtedly, this will reflect every other aspects of their life.

As it is rightly said, the youths are the leaders of tomorrow. Whatever that is inculcated in them today, will definitely grow with them. So, if they are allowed to cheat during examination, then looting public funds won’t be a problem too.

4. Underdevelopment: It will surprise you to know that one of the reasons why Nigeria is still underdeveloped is because our education system has not been able to produce enough qualified students in different fields of study. It seems as if our education system is more concerned about producing students who can write examination and pass very well, than those who can actually put into practice what they have been taught.

This is actually the reason why the country is still underdeveloped after many years of independence. Believe it or not, only about 20% of the federal university universities in Nigeria are currently equipped with all the necessaries a good university should have. As a result of this, students concentrate more on passing their examination because that is the only way they can be deemed fit in their various professions.

Solutions to Examination Malpractice in Nigeria

Below are some tentative solutions to the problem of examination malpractice in Nigeria:

• Good parental upbringing
• Increase in the salary of teachers
• Incentives for those who report malpractice cases
• De-emphasizing of the need for certificate
• Creation of more schools and learning facilities
• Government should encourage education

1. Good parental upbringing: From my discussion in the early part of this work, it is clear the parental upbringing contributes a lot to examination malpractice in Nigeria. The way a child is trained can increase or decrease the rate of examination malpractice in Nigeria. The reason is because, most people act the way they act in the public because, that is the way they were trained.

On that note, if parents can inculcate in their children that examination malpractice should be fraund upon at all times, there will be a drastic decline in the rate of examination malpractice in Nigeria with time.

In 2007, my friend told me the story of a student who insisted that he will not engage in examination malpractice even when every other person was. The student told the investigator that his mother warned him not to engage in examination malpractice and that he must obey his mother. When I heard of this, I was amazed. No doubt, good parental upbringing can really decrease the rate of examination malpractice in Nigeria.

2. Increase in the salary of teachers: I have come to realize that not every teacher/Lecturer actually likes encouraging students to engage in examination malpractice. Sometimes, teachers engage in examination malpractice because their salary is not enough for them. Thus, in other to increase their salary, they will ask students to pay some amount of money so as to enable them pass the examination.

Trust me; if the government should increase the salary of teachers in school by 30%, there will be less case of examination malpractice in Nigeria. To corroborate this, many teachers have expressed the opinion that one of the tentative ways through which examination malpractice can be fought in Nigeria is by increasing the salaries of teachers. It will really go a long way to curb examination malpractice in this country.

3. Incentives for those who report malpractice cases : In 2011, the government of Nigeria deviced a new way of catching corrupted persons in the country. The government made a public announcement that there will be incentives for anyone who reports any case of corruption to the government. That year, many corrupt public officers were exposed. In fact, some corrupt people who didn’t want to get caught started to pressurize the government to stop the policy.

If that same tactics is deployed in fighting examination malpractice in Nigeria, there will be a rapid decrease in the rate of examination malpractice in Nigeria. Truth be told, most people who enjoin students to engage in examination malpractice, don’t like it. Some of them are forced to do it because they are indigent. So, if the government or any any examination body in Nigeria starts giving incentives to people who report cases of examination malpractice, i strongly believe that the rate of examination malpractice in Nigeria will decrease in a short time.

4. De-emphasizing of the need for certificate: Until less emphasis is placed on paper qualification in Nigeria, many students will not stop striving to get good grades in school through any means. I have stated in the early part of this article that one of the reasons why many students engage in examination malpractice is for them to get the best grade while in school, as that will determine how fit they are in their profession.

Employers of labor must understand that grades does not really show that someone is fit for a job. What will show that someone is really fit for a job is the practical capacity of that person. It is possible for a student who had low grades while in school to work better than another student with good grades in thesame area of specialty.

My point hear is that for examination malpractice to reduce, it is necessary that lesser value be placed on the paper qualification of students.

5. Creation of more schools and learning facilities: This is on the part of the government. By creating more schools in Nigeria, there will be less number of students in a particular classroom and that will discourage examination malpractice in any form. Evidently, students in schools where there are very low numbers of students perform more better than those in over populated schools.

The reason is because, in those less populated schools, students are well monitored to ensure that they actually learn what is being taught in the classroom. However, no teacher/Lecturer in an overpopulated school has the time and strength to do that.

Providing learning facilities will also help to foster learning in school. It will help students to know the what they are supposed to know at every level of their education. In my opinion, creating more schools and learning facilities will go a long way to solve the problem of examination malpractice in Nigeria.

6. Government should encourage education : Trust me, if the government starts encouraging education there will be a drastic reduction in the number of examination malpractice recorded in the country every year. In the United States of America currently, students who are not able to completely pay for their education can be given loan by the US government .

This does not only show that their education is important. It also encourages students in the US to keep studying.

Increasing the salary of every profession is also a good idea because when students are confident about what they can earn after graduating, they won’t be looking for ways to make money or scam other people online.

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From my discussion so far, it is evident that the problem of examination malpractice can be drastically reduced in Nigeria, even though it cannot be totally stopped. With the tentative solutions I have proffered, there is no doubt that Nigeria’s education system can still come back to life.

However, for this to happen our parents, government and teacher must also play their role effectively. The Nigerian society must see examination malpractice as an abominable act. This will help to deter many students from engaging in examination malpractice in the country.

Hope this article was helpful? If you still have any question or contribution to this article, kindly send them via the comment section. Remember, your solution to the problem of examination malpractice in Nigeria can also help to save the country’s educational system.

Edeh Samuel Chukwuemeka, ACMC, is a lawyer and a certified mediator/conciliator in Nigeria. He is also a developer with knowledge in various programming languages. Samuel is determined to leverage his skills in technology, SEO, and legal practice to revolutionize the legal profession worldwide by creating web and mobile applications that simplify legal research. Sam is also passionate about educating and providing valuable information to people.

This Post Has 27 Comments

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An essay on examination malpractice not less than 500 words​

To write an essay on examination malpractice, there are a few steps you can follow. Here's a guide on how to approach this topic:

1. Introduction (100-150 words): Start by introducing the topic of examination malpractice. Briefly explain what it is and its significance in academic settings. Example: Examination malpractice refers to any dishonest or unethical behavior conducted during exams or assessments. This issue has become a prevalent concern not only for educational institutions but also for society as a whole. In this essay, we will explore the causes, effects, and possible solutions to examination malpractice. 2. Causes of Examination Malpractice (150-200 words): Discuss the various factors that contribute to examination malpractice. This can include pressure to succeed, lack of preparation, inadequate teaching methods, and the desire for higher grades. Example: One of the main reasons behind examination malpractice is the intense pressure placed on students to achieve top scores. For many, societal expectations and the fear of failure push them to resort to dishonest practices. Additionally, a lack of proper preparation or inefficient teaching methods may drive students to cheat as they feel ill-equipped to take on exams fairly. 3. Effects of Examination Malpractice (150-200 words): Outline the consequences of examination malpractice on both individuals and the educational system. This can include devaluation of academic qualifications, erosion of ethical values, and unfair competition among students. Example: Examination malpractice undermines the integrity of academic credentials, devaluing the efforts of honest students. Furthermore, it erodes the ethical values that education seeks to instill, as integrity and honesty play significant roles in personal development. The prevalence of cheating also creates an unfair competition, as students engaging in malpractice gain an unfair advantage over their peers. 4. Solutions to Examination Malpractice (150-200 words): Present possible measures to combat examination malpractice. You can discuss stricter invigilation, changing assessment methods, fostering a culture of academic integrity, and encouraging proper exam preparation. Example: To tackle examination malpractice, universities and schools should consider implementing stricter invigilation procedures to deter cheating. Additionally, diversifying assessment methods such as project work, presentations, and continuous assessments can help evaluate students' true understanding rather than just memorization. Moreover, fostering a culture of academic integrity through awareness campaigns, ethics courses, and strong disciplinary actions can help deter malpractice. 5. Conclusion (50-100 words): Summarize the main points discussed in the essay and emphasize the need for collective efforts to address examination malpractice. Highlight the importance of upholding academic integrity for the betterment of education and society as a whole. Example: Examination malpractice is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. By understanding its causes, recognizing its effects, and adopting effective solutions, we can work towards creating an educational environment that promotes integrity and fairness. Only by upholding academic values can we ensure that examinations truly evaluate a student's knowledge and capabilities. For a comprehensive essay, each section can be expanded upon further, and additional research and references can be included to support your arguments. Remember to proofread and edit your work for clarity and coherence before submission.

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Irregularities in two top competitive exams have revived the federalism debate in India.

NEET-UG aspirants participate in a demonstration demanding the re-conduct of entrance exams to medical colleges, New Delhi, India, June 15, 2024.

On June 4, even as Indians were glued to TV channels and news portals for the parliamentary election results that saw Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) securing fewer seats than expected, results of another nation-wide test were announced. Here, the high scores of candidates came as a surprise.

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate), or NEET-UG, is India’s national entrance examination for admission to undergraduate medical programs. The results  saw  an unprecedented 67 aspirants scoring 720 out of 720 marks. Last year, only two students  achieved  the perfect score.

The test is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), which operates under the federal education ministry.

This year  2.4 million students took the test on May 5 for 110,000 seats, of which only  about half  are in government-run colleges. Students prioritize government colleges over private ones because of subsidized education fees in government colleges. With a ratio of 44 candidates per government college seat, the competition was tough.

The results, especially the unusually  high marks  of a large number of students, drew public attention a couple of days later. Soon allegations surfaced of  question paper leaks  and  malpractices  over giving grace marks.

In about a fortnight, it had snowballed into a major controversy and the Modi government, which was at the beginning of its third consecutive term, ran into rough weather.

NEET-UG became the prime issue that the opposition INDIA bloc took up in the first session of the new Parliament.  For his swearing-in, independent MP Rajesh Ranjan, who belongs to the opposition camp, took his oath wearing a T-shirt with “RE-NEET” written on it. RE-NEET refers to the demand for reconducting NEET.

The NTA initially  ruled out  any irregularity. But the matter has already reached the Supreme Court of India, where the hearing is  still in progress .

The controversy evoked deep concern among large sections of Indians as a fraudulent entrance test for a medical program not only damages the future of millions of meritorious aspirants, but also compromises the quality of the future healthcare workforce.

Complicating matters for the government,  reports of paper leaks in the University Grants Commission–National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) exam hit the headlines. This test determines the eligibility for Junior Research Fellowships, admissions to Ph.D. courses, and appointments as assistant professors.

The UGC-NET exam was conducted on June 18 and was canceled  the next day following reports of question paper leaks on the dark web and its circulation over the Telegram app.

Meanwhile, on June 20, the apex court  sent notices  to the NTA and the government seeking a response to pleas filed by NEET-UG aspirants. Many of them are demanding a fresh test.

Under pressure, the government admitted to irregularities in NEET-UG and started taking damage control measures. It  remove d the NTA chief, formed a probe panel and postponed the NEET for postgraduate program (NEET-PG) seats.

Political Slugfest 

The Modi government has put up a brave face, saying they will leave no stone unturned to unearth the truth and punish the perpetrators.

On June 21, the government notified the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024 – which was passed by the Parliament in February but had not been notified. The notification formally brought the law into force. Punishment includes a maximum jail term of 10 years and a fine of up to 10 million Indian rupees (around $120,000).

On June 22, the Education Ministry ordered  an investigation into NEET-UG by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), a federal investigating agency. The UGC-NET paper leak also came under the CBI’s purview.

In a  statement , the ministry said that since certain cases of alleged irregularities, cheating, impersonation, and malpractices had been reported, the CBI was entrusted with conducting a “comprehensive investigation” for the sake of “transparency on the conduct of the examination process.” The government is committed to ensuring the sanctity of examinations and protecting the interest of students, it said, adding that “any individual/ organization found to be involved [in malpractices] will face strictest action.”

On June 24, the CBI initiated a probe and has made several arrests since then from the states of  Gujarat ,  Jharkhand , and Bihar .

While the government is trying to save face, the opposition is trying its best to corner the Modi government.

On July 1, Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian Parliament, highlighted that NEET students spend years preparing for the exams and the irregularities have taken a heavy toll on the financial and emotional support that their families provided these students.

“The truth is that now, NEET students do not believe in this exam. They are convinced that the exam is designed for rich people – not the meritorious ones –  to create a quota for rich people and a passage for rich people to enter the system,” he said .

Subsequently, opposition parliamentarians walked out, protesting the government’s refusal to immediately discuss the irregularities in the medical entrance test. On July 2, Gandhi wrote to Modi, urging him to devote time for discussion on the subject in the Lok Sabha the next day.

Meanwhile, the scam has revived old debates around the very model of centralized medical tests such as NEET for undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Several opposition parties have demanded that the states be allowed to have their own systems in place.

Their arguments are based on the ideas of federalism that prefer the greater role of states and regional variations and diversities over centralized authorities and systems.

Southern state Tamil Nadu’s ruling party, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK),  called NEET “an industry created for the welfare of coaching centers.” On June 28, the Tamil Nadu Assembly passed a resolution, seeking an exemption for the state from NEET and urging the scrapping of the medical entrance exam altogether. Tamil Nadu has opposed  NEET for a decade, arguing that it hurts regional interests.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who heads the Trinamool Congress party, also wrote to the prime minister,  calling for  the abolition of NEET and restoration of “the previous system” wherein state governments conducted the test.

NEET was first announced in 2013 when the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government was in power. However, when the Modi-led National Democratic Alliance came to power, the Supreme Court struck it down . In 2016, a five-judge constitutional bench of the top court reviewed the 2013 verdict and  upheld  NEET, bringing all public and private medical and dental colleges under its ambit.

According to West Bengal-based language rights activist Garga Chatterjee, NEET-like tests put state board students in a disadvantageous position. This is because the NEET exam is based on the syllabus of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), whereas most students in the country are part of the state education boards, which follow different syllabi.

While the opposition parties are likely to continue mounting pressure on the government on issues like transparency and decentralization, they will also be carefully watching out for the developments in the Supreme Court, which is scheduled to hear the cases again on July 8.

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