The West African Examinations Council has called for the strict use of computer-based testing to tackle examination malpractice and curb the activities of “miracle centres.”
A WAEC official in Makurdi, Benue State, Timothy Manga, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday. Manga spoke against the backdrop of growing concerns over examination malpractice and its effect on the credibility of public examinations and academic certificates. He said allegations about the existence of “miracle centres” in Benue were becoming worrisome. However, he noted that WAEC had not officially confirmed any such centre in the state.
A miracle centre is an examination centre where organised malpractice allegedly takes place. Candidates may receive unauthorised assistance or answers during examinations.
WAEC wants stricter CBT
Manga described examination malpractice as a major threat to the education system. He said schools should build their reputation around quality teaching and learning rather than helping candidates cheat.“Any system that rewards students for cheating undermines those who have worked hard to prepare for examinations.
“We need an examination system where success is determined by knowledge, preparation, and competence, not by the ability to access assistance during examinations.”
According to Manga, WAEC had not received any official information identifying a school in Benue as a miracle centre. He, however, said the council would continue to monitor developments and investigate credible information about examination malpractice.
“Though WAEC has not gotten any information on any school being a ‘miracle centre’, we would continue to put our ears to the ground in case we hear of any that we can set an example with,” he said.
Teacher backs independent centres
A teacher with NKST Secondary School, Makurdi, Rebecca Ezekiel, also supported the use of independent examination centres. She said separating examination centres from the schools where candidates receive lessons could reduce the influence of teachers and school authorities during external examinations. Ezekiel said the arrangement could give WAEC and the National Examinations Council greater control over examination venues and security.
“Candidates should be examined under conditions that are independent of the schools where they receive instructions,” she said.
The teacher also called for the use of biometric verification and Closed-Circuit Television cameras during examinations. She said such measures would strengthen monitoring and make it harder for candidates or supervisors to engage in malpractice.
School owner cautions against labelling schools
However, a school proprietor in Otukpo Local Government Area, Jude Odeh, cautioned against describing schools as miracle centres simply because they admit students in their final year. Odeh said he had heard allegations about miracle centres in the state. He added that he had yet to identify any specific school operating as one.
According to him, parents sometimes transfer their children to other schools for reasons unrelated to examination malpractice. He listed high examination registration costs and school fees among the factors that influence such decisions. Odeh said some schools charge high examination fees, which can increase the financial burden on parents when combined with school fees.
He, however, noted that some schools in Benue do not admit new students into Senior Secondary School Three. According to him, such schools only register students who gained promotion from SS2 for external examinations.
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