The National Examination Council (NECO) has announced that it will be inviting the management of 40 secondary schools across 17 states for discussions regarding their involvement in mass cheating during the 2024 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE). This revelation was made by NECO Registrar Professor Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi during a press briefing held at the NECO headquarters in Minna, Niger State, on September 19, 2024.
Details of the Cheating Allegations
The investigation into the mass cheating revealed that these schools engaged in various forms of examination malpractice, prompting NECO to take decisive action. Professor Wushishi indicated that one school in Ekiti State has been recommended for de-recognition due to mass cheating in two core subjects and one science subject.
In addition to the schools, 21 supervisors across 12 states have been recommended for blacklisting due to their involvement in aiding and abetting cheating, poor supervision, abscondment from duty, extortion, drunkenness, and negligence.
Reduction in Examination Malpractice
Despite the serious allegations, Professor Wushishi noted a positive trend in the overall integrity of the examination process. The number of candidates involved in various forms of malpractice dropped significantly from 12,030 in 2023 to 8,437 in 2024, marking a 30.1% reduction. This decline suggests that efforts to combat examination malpractice may be yielding results.
Performance Statistics
The NECO Registrar also provided insights into the overall performance of candidates who sat for the 2024 SSCE:
- A total of 1,376,423 candidates registered for the examination.
- Out of this number, 1,367,736 candidates actually sat for the exam.
- Approximately 60.55%, or 828,284 candidates, achieved five credits and above in subjects including English Language and Mathematics.
- Additionally, 83.90%, or 1,147,597 candidates, obtained five credits or more irrespective of English and Mathematics.
Next Steps for Involved Schools
The schools implicated in mass cheating will be formally invited to NECO for discussions regarding their conduct during the examinations. Following these discussions, appropriate sanctions will be applied based on the findings of the investigation.
Professor Wushishi emphasized the importance of maintaining academic integrity and urged all stakeholders to work collaboratively to uphold standards within the education system.
As the council takes steps to address these issues and improve overall examination integrity, it remains crucial for educational institutions and supervisors to adhere strictly to ethical standards. The significant reduction in malpractice cases this year is a hopeful sign that ongoing efforts are making a difference in safeguarding the future of education in in the nation.
By Joseph Johnston
Youth Editor,
Egogonews Hub
