Examination malpractice has become a widespread problem in Nigeria, and it is a menace that threatens the integrity of the nation’s education system. It is no longer news that students engage in various forms of malpractices, including cheating, impersonation, and leakage of examination papers. However, what is often overlooked is the role parents play in promoting this vice.
Without doubt, parents are the primary caregivers and role models of their children. They are expected to be responsible for instilling values such as honesty, integrity, and hard work in their children. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, some parents have failed in this responsibility, as they are actively involved in encouraging their children to engage in indecent behaviour including examination malpractice.
Reports indicate that some parents go as far as paying bribes to teachers and invigilators to allow their children to cheat during examinations. Others go to the extent of hiring mercenaries to write examinations for their children. These actions are not only illegal but also immoral and unethical.
Moreover, some parents put undue pressure on their children to perform excellently in examinations, regardless of the means. They make their children believe that success in life is only attainable through academic excellence, and this often leads to a do-or-die mentality among students. This attitude, in turn, fuels the desire to cheat and engage in other forms of malpractice.
The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) recently arrested a father, allegedly, for writing the 2024 UTME for his son. The JAMB registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, disclosed this during a press briefing. But failed to disclose the identities of the father and son.
It is essential to note that examination malpractice has far-reaching consequences, both for the individual and society at large. It undermines the integrity of the educational system, reduces the quality of graduates produced, and erodes public trust in the system. It also leads to a lack of confidence in the abilities of Nigerian graduates, thereby making them less competitive in the global job market.
All of these are reflective of the level of moral decadence in the country today. It is no longer news that Nigeria has witnessed a decline in moral values, and this decline has far-reaching consequences on every facet of our national life. The moral fabric of society is gradually eroding, and this poses a significant threat to the development of the country.
The consequences of moral decadence are far-reaching also. It leads to a breakdown of social order, undermines the rule of law, and erodes public trust in the government. It also discourages foreign investment and hinders economic growth and development.
In the opinion of this newspaper, the situation calls for national reorientation. The nation ought to be worried enough to pose the basic question, what legacy are we leaving for our children? We condemn the role of parents in examination malpractice in its entirety. It’s an immoral, illegal, and corrupt practice. The government, religious institutions, and civil society organizations must come together to promote moral values, ethics, and social norms that will foster national development.
The government should create policies and programmes that will promote moral values and ethics. It should also ensure that those who engage in corrupt practices are brought to justice, regardless of their status in society.
Religious institutions also have a more active role to play in promoting moral values and ethics. They should use their platforms to educate their followers on the importance of honesty, integrity, and social responsibility.
Parents need to take responsibility for their roles in curbing examination malpractice. They owe themselves a duty to instill in their children the values of honesty, hard work, and integrity. Just as they ought to refrain from putting undue pressure on their children to perform excellently in examinations, as this often leads to malpractice.
Instead of exposing their children to behaviours that are unwholesome, parents rather should support their children’s education by providing the necessary resources and creating a conducive environment for learning. They should monitor their children’s activities, especially during examination periods, to ensure that they do not engage in any form of malpractice.
The role model perception of parents is eternal. That is to say, in our view, society expects them to instill in their children the values of honesty, hard work, and integrity, and refrain from putting undue pressure on them to meet standards that are beyond their capacity. With responsible parenting, the nation can build a better future for children and the country as a whole.
The level of moral decadence in Nigeria is a cause for concern, and urgent action is needed to address it. National reorientation is necessary to promote moral values and ethics that will foster national development. We must strive for a better Nigeria where honesty, integrity, and social responsibility are the hallmarks of the society.
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