By Obiageli Nwankwo
The Anambra State Government has vowed to strengthen measures against examination malpractice and so called miracle centres, warning that officials involved in compromising academic standards will face disciplinary action.
The Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ekene Ogugua, gave the warning on Oct. 13 while receiving a delegation of Scripture Union Nigeria, Anambra Chapter, led by Prof. Chukwuma Okonkwo, at his office in the State Secretariat Complex, Awka.
Ogugua said the state was developing measures to curb examination malpractice, ensuring that students’ results genuinely reflected their knowledge, abilities and individual efforts.
He urged students to reject examination expos and other dishonest shortcuts, emphasising that academic success should be built on diligent study, discipline and personal commitment.
The commissioner encouraged students to report anyone demanding money to facilitate examination malpractice, warning that officials found culpable would be removed from their positions.
He attributed the erosion of societal values partly to the excessive emphasis on money and the pursuit of quick wealth, calling for renewed commitment to integrity, discipline and responsible conduct.
Ogugua expressed the ministry’s readiness to collaborate with Scripture Union in promoting moral development among students, welcoming the prospect of working with the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation to advance the state’s value reorientation agenda.
Earlier, Prof. Okonkwo congratulated the commissioner on his appointment and outlined Scripture Union’s efforts to promote Bible reading, moral discipline and responsible behaviour through its school clubs.
He raised concerns about reported levies allegedly linked to examination malpractice in some schools, claiming that Scripture Union members who refused to pay had encountered difficulties during examinations, appealing to the ministry to investigate the allegations and take appropriate action where necessary.
Okonkwo sought the ministry’s support in expanding Scripture Union clubs across schools and proposed collaboration with parent teacher associations to strengthen examination monitoring and promote academic integrity.
The engagement highlighted the importance of cooperation between government, schools, parents and faith based organisations in protecting educational standards and ensuring that academic qualifications reflect genuine learning and merit.
Obiageli Nwankwo is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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