IBADAN/Nigeria: The Oyo State government has signaled its intention to enforce the Examination Malpractice Act, as enshrined in the 1999 Federal Constitution. The Act prescribes a three-year jail term or a fine of N100,000, or both, for individuals found guilty of compromising exam ethics in the country.
Speaking to journalists in Ibadan, Pastor Akinade Alamu, the Executive Chairman of Oyo State Post-Primary Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), emphasized that the State Government has already taken administrative measures to address examination malpractices within the State. He lauded the present administration’s education policies, expressing confidence in their effectiveness in combating examination malpractice.
Notably, earlier this year, the Oyo State Government had suspended teachers involved in examination malpractices during the West African Senior School Certificate Examination.
Pastor Alamu expressed gratitude for the support received from the Nigeria Union of Teachers and other teaching bodies, affirming that the state government remains committed to upholding the laws governing public exams in the country. He further underlined the significant reduction in examination malpractice since the Seyi Makinde administration took office and reiterated the government’s ultimate goal of eliminating exam malpractice in the state.
Regarding the possibility of pardoning erring teachers, Pastor Alamu disclosed that the Oyo State Government has received appeals from various stakeholders, including Traditional rulers and the Nigeria Union of Teachers. He acknowledged the high regard the government has for the NUT, considering it a noble union of professionals that has actively cooperated with Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration.
While past administrations were criticized for not taking examination malpractices seriously, Pastor Alamu highlighted the current administration’s proactive approach in tackling the issue head-on. The government has been suspending teachers and principals involved in malpractices for the past two to three years. However, due to the appeals and pleas from different quarters, the government has yet to reach a final decision on whether to pardon the erring teachers.
Pastor Alamu emphasized that Nigerian Teachers, particularly the NUT, have been valued partners of TESCOM and the Oyo State Government, making their request for pardon worthy of consideration.
