Lagos — One major proof of the downward slide in the education sector is the growing cases of examination malpractices. Recent media reports have shown that the vexatious issue of examinationâ-‚malpractice has, rather than abate, has been on a steady increase.

This has become a cause of grave concern considering the destructive effects on the education sector in the country.

Today, rather than read their books and prepare adequately for exams, the first option many students at various levels look for is the opportunity to cheat.

It is even more disheartening to know that some parents connive with school authorities to perpetrate this social malady. This is with particular regard to state and federal government-owned secondary and tertiary institutions.

In the first place this is part of the general corruption the country is trying to uproot. Examination malpractice involves bribery, stealing and even prostitution by the females involved. It also portends great danger to the quality of our human capital and by extension, our workforce.

A thorough overhaul of our education system should be initiated and implemented urgently to curtail this malaise.

The legislature need to pass laws with appropriate sanctions, which should be severe, to act as a deterrent to students, teachers, institutions and parents alike.

The re-introduction of reading and library classes as compulsory components in primary and secondary schools will help to stimulate and inculcate the reading culture in students.

Indeed, recently, Governor Adams Oshiomole, of Edo State, had to close down some special WAEC centres in his Edo State.â-‚â-‚

Mrs. Municat Bello, the Registrar of WAEC, has promised that her administration will ensure that examination leakages will be eradicated. This she said, will be achieved through re-certification and re-inspection of schools.

The November/December 2008 and the May/June 2009 examinations, she asserted were devoid of leakages and other malpractices. This raises the hope that the scourge of examination malpractice can be tamed.â-‚ We commend her initiative.

With regard to the tertiary institutions, the phenomenon of sex-for-grades is all too common with the result that some of the graduates, particularly the female graduates churned out are un-educated in their courses of study.

Lecturers, also, have been found to leak questions or write examinations for some students, particularly, the wealthy ones, male and female.

Recently, the University of Uyo expelled some students for their involvement in exam malpractice. This is a familiar routine in many other tertiary institutions.

The incessant strikes by the lecturers, the paucity of research materials and well-stocked libraries appear to pre-dispose the students to cheat to pass their examinations.

The over-reliance and dependence on paper qualification should be de-emphasised while vocational and entrepreneurial training should be encouraged.

Also, we recommend re-orientation through sustained enlightenment programmes to bring about a paradigm shift in the consciousness of Nigerians and to precipitate the return to the days when academic excellence and hardwork were rewarded just as sloth and mediocrity were punished.

But in the main, the Federal Ministry of Education and relevant stakeholders need to aggressively tackle the decline in education by adequately funding the institutions, regular inspection, proper and continuous training of teachers and lecturers.

Examination malpractice is a national shame that requires the involvement of all stakeholders to eradicate. Only qualitative education that brings out the best in pupils and students is god enough for Nigeria.