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Help, examination leakage threatens Nigeria’s development

Published on Jun 4, 2025 • Education

Nigeria's Examination Integrity Crisis: A Call for Reform

The recent examination scandals in Nigeria have once again underscored the nation's struggle with educational integrity. Both the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) have faced significant challenges in maintaining the credibility of their assessments.

WAEC's 2025 Examination Scandal

In May 2025, WAEC conducted the English Language paper for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) under controversial circumstances. The exam was delayed until late in the evening, with some students reportedly using candlelight to write the paper. This delay was attributed to efforts to prevent examination malpractice, a situation reminiscent of the infamous "Expo 77" incident in 1977, where widespread leakage compromised the integrity of the exams.

WAEC acknowledged the breach, stating that the English Language paper had been compromised. The council's head, Patrick Areghan, condemned the actions of the involved officials, describing them as a "monumental disgrace" to the nation's educational standards. In response, WAEC arrested 20 school officials across Nigeria for allegedly aiding and abetting examination malpractice. These individuals were reportedly involved in leaking exam questions online, leading to their handover to the police for further investigation .([mediangr.com.ng][1])

JAMB's 2025 Examination Controversy

Similarly, JAMB faced its own challenges during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Technical glitches affected the results of approximately 380,000 candidates, particularly in Lagos and the South-East zones. In response, JAMB conducted rescheduled exams to address the issues. Registrar Is-haq Oloyede publicly apologized for the disruptions, emphasizing the board's commitment to ensuring fairness and transparency in the examination process
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Historical Context and Ongoing Challenges
These recent events are not isolated incidents but part of a long-standing issue with examination malpractice in Nigeria. The "Expo 77" scandal in 1977 remains a significant point of reference, highlighting the persistent nature of these challenges. Despite efforts to implement reforms, such as the establishment of monitoring committees and the introduction of biometric verification, examination malpractice continues to undermine the credibility of Nigeria's educational assessments.

The recurring examination scandals underscore the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in Nigeria's examination systems. There must be a concerted effort to address the root causes of malpractice, including inadequate supervision, lack of accountability, and systemic corruption. Only through sustained and genuine reforms can Nigeria hope to restore confidence in its educational assessments and ensure that academic achievements are a true reflection of students' abilities.