FG warns it will take legal action against parents, guardians supporting exam malpractice
The federal government has announced that it intends to take legal action against any parent or guardian involved in helping with examination malpractice.
This announcement followed the government’s instruction that all schools must immediately inform law enforcement and educational authorities if there are any threats or violations during exams.
Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa made this known through a statement released by Boriowo Folasade, the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, on Tuesday.
Alausa also spoke against the attack on the Vice Principal of Complete Child Development College in Akure, Ondo State, by individuals allegedly employed by a student’s parents after the student was caught cheating during an examination.
Dr. Alausa emphasized that any student caught in malpractice will be disciplined according to the national exam rules.
The minister restated that the Ministry maintains a strict no-tolerance policy regarding exam malpractice, harassment of school staff, and all improper actions from students, parents, or guardians.
The statement says, “The Federal Ministry of Education strongly condemns the unfortunate incident that occurred at Complete Child Development College, Aule, Akure, Ondo State, where suspected thugs, allegedly hired by the parents of a student, assaulted the Vice Principal, Mr. Rotifa, for performing his lawful duty of upholding the integrity of the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).”
Dr. Alausa praised the quick response of the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, along with the State Police Command, whose efforts resulted in the arrest of the accused individuals, including Mrs. Dorcas Asije and four others.
He urged a detailed investigation and legal action against everyone involved, to serve as a lesson to others.
“Any parent or guardian who enables, supports, or participates in such criminal behaviour will be prosecuted. This administration will not tolerate any attempt to undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s education system,” the minister said.
The minister encouraged schools to stay alert and work together with the police and state education departments to keep exam environments safe, fair, and credible.
“The Federal Ministry of Education stands firmly with the management and staff of Complete Child Development College, and by extension, all education stakeholders nationwide, who continue to uphold the values of discipline, accountability, and academic excellence while resisting examination malpractice,” the statement added.
