The Exam Ethics Marshal International (EEMI ), a non-governmental organisation, has said it will strengthen its collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences (ICPC ) to check examination malpractice in the country.
The Founding Chairman of EEMI, Mr. Ike Onyechere, said this in an interview at Abuja on TUesday.
Onyechere said the large scale of corruption being experienced in the society was traceable to corruption in examinations which if not handled properly could jeopardise the integrity of the country.
He said that there were challenges militating against the continued fight against exam malpractice and other related vices which informed the decision of his NGO to partner with ICPC to check the trend.
He said the challenge of exam malpractice ranges from the use of sophisticated modern computer components, micro-chips and associated materials.
According to him, not too conducive exam environment, impersonation of candidates and nepotism have also been identified to have aided exam malpractice in the country.
He added that the role of the organisation had been to work closely with relevant agencies to stop the scourge of examination malpractice in the education system.
“As an organisation, we are keen to working tirelessly to stop the problems of exam malpractice encountered in our various education institutions.
“We find a lot of infractions in our education system and we make reports to the appropriate agencies.
“We work very closely with ICPC. This is because we cannot make any arrest but when we get a case of exam malpractice that has to do with corruption, fraud and extortions, we alert ICPC and they take it up.
“But like any other individual in this country, there are instances when something becomes so close to your heart and you seek leave of government to do prosecution but we have not reached that level.’’
According to him, arrest is not the only measure one can use to curb malpractices, we are looking at other areas that we can deploy to curb the menace.
He noted that prevention, sensitisation and getting people to change their mindset was key to eradicating malpractices in the education sector.
“Eradicating corruption is everybody’s responsibility and must start from the primary schools.
“Developing the minds of the young people to the dangers of malpractices will be translated to a nation with corrupt-free citizenry.
“ If we must have a nation that is devoid of corruption, we must begin to tell our youths that examination malpractice is not an option to a bright future.’’
He therefore urged other stakeholders to join in the fight to eradicate exam malpractices in the country.
