Examinations

By Hamza Almustapha Paki

Examination malpractice is regarded as any deliberate act of wrongdoing that violates examination rules intended to provide a candidate with an unfair advantage. Examination malpractice, also referred to as the unlawful actions students undertake during their exams to achieve good grades by taking shortcuts.

Exam malpractices, such as cheating, impersonation, and leakage of examination questions, have become a persistent and widespread problem among students in Nigeria. These malpractices threaten the education system and the country’s future. 

The phenomenon has infiltrated the education system, compromising the integrity and fairness of assessments, undermining efforts to foster a skilled workforce, and eroding public trust in the system. Examination malpractice, alongwith its disadvantages, has negatively impacted all facets of society.

The examination law and ethics state that the sanctions or penalties for candidates involved in examination malpractice in Nigerian tertiary institutions range from a warning letter to not allowing the candidates to sit the examination, suspension for two semesters, expulsion, and dismissal from the institution, depending on the degree of misconduct. 

According to the National Examination Council (NECO), it is estimated that the total number of students involved in various forms of examination malpractices was about 20,000 as of 2021.

On the other hand, 178 cases of malpractice were detected in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination in the 2022 and 2023 batches.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) identified the malpractices as including “multiple registrations, manipulation of biometrics, collusion of some private CBT centres with parents, impersonation, deliberate disruption of the examination process, and syndicate of adjacent centres in examination.

It is depressing, regrettable, and shameful to engage in examination malpractices after all the energy expended by our respected lecturers or teachers.

In conclusion, examination malpractice could lead to a loss of confidence, self-esteem, determination, and indolence. 

It also acts as a source of future persistent sadness, which could cause psychological, emotional, and physical disorders in the victim. Therefore, it should be seen as the enemy of society and jettisoned.

By Aliyu Zainab Lawal

Students’ academic performance is measured based on their results. Poor academic performance is primarily attributed to the lack of commitment and preparation in and outside the classrooms. Academic results measure students’ understanding and skill in a particular subject or course. As said by Dr Adama Adamu, the current H.O.D of Mass Communication, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, exams and tests remain powerful instruments for assessing students.

Academically, results reflect students’ knowledge and understanding of the subject matter. They equally depict how well a student has better grasped the concepts and principles imparted to them in classrooms. High grades denote strong comprehension.

Reportedly, results assess how students can apply their problem-solving knowledge and skills. This is apparent in how they demonstrate critical thinking, problem-solving, analytical skills, and practical applications of theoretical concepts.

Moreover, several existing factors influence academic performance, encapsulating students’ preparations and readiness. They include effort and time investment, active learning, time management, and consistent revision. Developing These elements equitably would inevitably positively impact student’s results.

Also, academic results serve as feedback for improvement and consolidation. They enable the students to identify their strengths and weaknesses. By subjecting their results to analysis, students can focus on areas that need improvement and further develop strategies to enhance their academic performance.

The Department of Mass Communication and many other departments within Ahmadu Bello University stick to the conventional way of result release by pasting them on boards in a public place for all the students to witness. This is also the act many of the students I interviewed despised, as they believe that results are everyone’s confidential treasure. By extension, they are not supposed to be made public. Therefore, students should have their transcripts privately.

However, Dr Kabiru Danladi, a lecturer from the Mass Communication Department of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, shed more light on the issue when he said, “It is a law to paste results in a public place as soon as they get approved by the Senate as they now become public property”. He added that any department giving transcripts without first pasting the results violates the law.

Aliyu Zainab Lawal wrote via aliyuzainablawal442@gmail.com.

By Sani Hassan Sulaiman

Taking exams is an inherent part of academic life. Understandably, many students find it difficult and stressful. However, with proper preparation, a clear strategy, and effective study techniques, it is possible to navigate exams in a more manageable and successful way. In this article, I will explore some key steps to help students simplify the examination process and maximise their chances of success.

1. Create a Study Plan:

The first step to achieving exam success is to develop a comprehensive study plan by organising the materials to be covered and setting realistic goals for each study session. Allocate specific time slots for subjects, ensuring a balanced distribution of subjects based on their importance and difficulty level. A study plan will help students stay organised, cover all the necessary topics, and avoid last-minute cramming.

2. Understand the Exam Format:

Familiarising oneself with the exam format is essential to approach the examination more relaxedly. Students should thoroughly review the syllabus, marking schemes, and previous years’ question papers or study guides. Understanding the structure of the exam will enable students to identify the areas that require more attention, practice answering different questions, and manage their time effectively during the actual examination.

3. Active Learning Techniques:

Passive learning methods such as reading, highlighting, and summarising may be helpful to absorb information temporarily but can be ineffective when it comes to long-term retention. Instead, incorporating active learning techniques like self-quizzing, teaching someone else, and solving practice questions can significantly enhance understanding and memory recall. Engaging with the material actively reinforces learning and builds confidence, making it easier to apply knowledge during the exam.

4. Review and Revise:

Regular revision is crucial in solidifying knowledge and ensuring it remains fresh in one’s mind. Schedule regular review sessions throughout the study period to reinforce the learned concepts. Utilise revision techniques such as flashcards, mind maps, or regularly writing summaries. Revisiting the topics regularly will help students retain information longer, preventing last-minute panic and providing a smoother exam experience.

5. Manage Stress and Optimize Performance:

Managing stress is essential to perform at one’s best. You should practice self-care, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and get enough sleep to promote mental sharpness and concentration. Implementing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or engaging in physical activities can help reduce anxiety levels and boost overall well-being. Maintaining a positive mindset and visualising success can also enhance motivation and confidence.

Conclusion:

Navigating exams successfully involves more than simply studying hard. Students can simplify the examination process by incorporating effective study strategies, thoughtful planning, and stress management techniques, increasing their chances of achieving better results. Remember, success in exams is a journey that requires dedication, perseverance, and a holistic approach to learning. With the right mindset and adequate preparation, students can confidently face any exam challenge that comes their way.

Sani Hassan Sulaiman wrote from the Department of Mass Communication, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna state.

By Muhammad Sabiu

Contrary to rumours claiming that the exam had been postponed to a later date, the National Examination Council has declared that the 2022 Senior School Certificate Examination would begin on Monday, June 27, 2022, for school-based applicants.

Azeez Sani, the council’s head of information and public relations, revealed this information in a statement to journalists in Minna on Saturday.

Sani urged interested parties to reject rumours that the examination would be delayed.

“State Ministries of Education, Principals, Commandants and all stakeholders are enjoined to disregard any speculation on the alleged postponement of the examination,” Sani said, adding that “the Council has put all necessary measures in place to ensure a seamless conduct of the 2022 Senior School Certificate Examination.”

By Husseina Ojochenemi Abubakar

“Collect the like terms”

“Divide both sides by 2”

Mathematics was my worst nightmare during my primary education and my early years in secondary school. The pronunciation of the word “M.A.T.H.E.M.A.T.I.C.S” always got me some butterflies jollying in my stomach, if you know what that means. But, on the contrary, other subjects were just easy as beans.

My twin sister Hassana helped me solve particular arithmetic involving a word problem more than a dozen times in my junior year in secondary school, all to get the hack to solve similar problems. Especially since I was the class captain, you are often the focal point of most teachers.

But once the question is a bit twisted from her examples, I would start developing migraine, which often marked the end of that practice. Nevertheless, I kept wondering about these two mathematical terms.

“collect the like terms”

“divide both sides by so and so.”

As I type this now, I can’t stop laughing at myself how something so simple could cause me sleepless nights. In short, it was a miracle that I fairly scaled through during my Junior School Certificate Examination.

This miracle became more apparent in my first year at Senior Secondary School. Then, I was made the female class captain.

Our charismatic, vibrant maths teacher walked majestically into our class one fateful morning with his head up high. We immediately stood up to welcome him, which was the usual class tradition whenever a teacher walked into the class. He gestured to us to sit down and, without introduction, went straight to the chalkboard and wrote Mathematics followed by an equation. He demanded that the class representatives stand, which was my assistant and me.

Upon hearing this, I lost my composure, my palms and feet began sweating profusely, and I started running high temperature all at once. It was one of those moments you would wish you had a magic wand that could be used to tear the earth widely open to swallow you.

He turned to the other lady and asked her the first step to solving the equation. “No idea,” my then assistant answered sheepishly.

Mr maths teacher then gestured in my direction. Without knowing where the energy suddenly came from, I quickly answered, “collect the like terms.”

He was so impressed that his applause echoed through the four walls of the classroom and beyond. Then, he went to the board and carried out the command.

From no angle of elevation or depression, this exercise stirs a cognitive essence in my brain. I  had treated this topic in my extra moral class, and I think I got a zero in the mini-test given at the end of that day. Now, it became crystal clear to me what the term stood for in Mr maths teacher’s class.

Again, he turned in my assistant captain’s direction asking for the next step, and she couldn’t come up with the answer. As he turned in my direction, I quickly answered, “Divide both sides by 2.”

He was impressed once again. He went back to the board and executed the command. That was how we arrived at the answer that marked the beginning of my journey to stardom as one of the best mathematics students.

After that incident, a mathematics Milo competition was organised amongst all the SSI students of the secondary schools within my local government (i.e. Idah).

I was approached to represent my class and join two others for the whole arm of SSI at that time. However, I was still unsure of my mathematics potential, so I declined because I’m not good at maths. But the senior prefect convinced me that my other colleagues would assist as it was a collective effort. So, I agreed to participate.

Lo and behold, the day came, and I, who was supposed to be the backbencher during the mathematics, ended up receiving a standing ovation and monetary prizes because even the questions that were meant for the other school students, which they could not answer was answered majorly by me effortlessly.

One thing became clear to me—the power of grit (passion and perseverance when you face obstacles). I was not good at mathematics, but I never stopped trying to improve. I didn’t give up. I kept struggling. As you can deduce from the story, my effort eventually paid off when I least expected it.

This is my true life story. Even the mathematics was not in my hand; it was in my heart and subconsciousness.

You may be having some migraines over some challenges now. So, taking a break is allowed but don’t completely give up because not one of your efforts goes unregistered in your subconscious mind.

These are my words, my dear readers. Believe in the process, and you will arrive at your destination in sha Allah.

Husseina Ojochenemi Abubakar sent this article via hussymusty@gmail.com.