CBT Best Way to Curb ‘Miracle Centres’ and Examination Malpractice — WAEC Official

CBT best way to curb ‘miracle centres’ and examination malpractice is the position expressed by a West African Examinations Council (WAEC) official amid concerns over the alleged existence of examination malpractice centres in some parts of Nigeria.

Timothy Manga, an official with the WAEC office in Makurdi, made the recommendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) while speaking about the growing concerns over examination malpractice and its impact on the credibility of public examinations and educational certificates.

According to the report, Manga called for strict implementation of computer-based testing (CBT) as part of measures that could help examination bodies strengthen examination security and curb organised malpractice.

However, it is important to note that the report stated that WAEC had not officially confirmed the existence of any “miracle centre” in Benue State at the time of the interview.

WAEC Official Calls for Strict CBT to Fight Examination Malpractice

Timothy Manga said stricter computer-based testing could help address some of the challenges associated with examination malpractice, particularly at centres where candidates may receive unauthorised assistance.

He described allegations concerning the existence of “miracle” examination centres as worrisome and stressed the importance of protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s education system.

According to Manga, schools should be recognised for the quality of teaching and learning they provide rather than for facilitating examination malpractice.

He further argued that an examination system should reward students based on their knowledge, preparation and competence, rather than their ability to obtain unauthorised assistance during examinations.

He also stated that WAEC would continue to monitor developments and take action where credible information about examination malpractice becomes available.

What Is a “Miracle Centre”?

In the Nigerian education context, a “miracle centre” is a term commonly used to describe an examination centre where organised examination malpractice is allegedly facilitated to help candidates obtain unauthorised assistance or answers during an examination.

Such allegations can include candidates receiving outside assistance, access to unauthorised materials, or other forms of organised cheating during public examinations.

However, allegations should not automatically be treated as established facts. A school or examination centre should not be labelled a “miracle centre” without credible evidence and appropriate investigation.

This distinction is particularly important in reporting examination malpractice allegations because an unverified accusation can unfairly damage the reputation of a school, teachers and students.

Why Examination Malpractice Is a Threat to Education

Examination malpractice remains a major concern because it can undermine the credibility of examination results and academic qualifications.

When candidates receive unauthorised assistance to pass examinations, students who genuinely study and prepare may be placed at an unfair disadvantage.

Some of the major concerns associated with examination malpractice include:

• It undermines the credibility of examination results.
• It gives an unfair advantage to candidates who engage in malpractice.
• It can devalue legitimate educational qualifications.
• It discourages students from studying and preparing properly.
• It can damage the reputation of schools and examination centres.
• It weakens public confidence in examination systems.

A credible examination system should therefore ensure that students’ results accurately reflect their knowledge, preparation and academic ability.

How CBT Could Help Reduce Examination Malpractice

Computer-based testing could provide examination bodies with additional tools for controlling and monitoring examinations. The approach can make it easier to manage candidates, examination venues and digital examination processes.

Some potential ways CBT could strengthen examination security include:

• Improved candidate verification: Digital examination systems can be combined with identity and biometric verification.
• Better venue control: Examination bodies can exercise greater control over approved CBT centres and examination arrangements.
• Reduced paper-based logistics: Digital examinations can reduce some of the security challenges associated with transporting and handling examination papers.
• Improved monitoring: Technology can support closer monitoring of candidates and examination sessions.
• Better examination records: Digital systems can create electronic records that can assist with monitoring and investigations.

However, CBT alone cannot automatically eliminate every form of examination malpractice. Effective implementation also requires reliable infrastructure, trained personnel, adequate security and strict enforcement of examination rules.

Other Technologies Recommended to Strengthen Examination Security

Beyond CBT, a teacher identified as Mrs Rebecca Ezekiel of NKST Secondary School, Makurdi, recommended additional measures that could strengthen examination monitoring.

She suggested the use of technologies and systems such as:

• Biometric verification to confirm candidates’ identities.
• CCTV cameras to monitor activities within examination centres.
• Independent examination centres to reduce the influence of schools and teachers over external examinations.
• Improved control over examination personnel and security arrangements.

According to her position as reported by NAN, candidates should be examined under conditions that are independent of the schools where they receive their regular instruction.

Should WAEC and NECO Use Independent Examination Centres?

The idea of independent examination centres is another proposal raised in the discussion around examination malpractice.

Mrs Rebecca Ezekiel argued that independent centres could reduce the influence that schools and teachers may have over external examinations such as WAEC and the National Examinations Council (NECO).

Independent examination venues could potentially provide examination bodies with greater control over:

• The examination environment.
• Candidate verification.
• Invigilators and examination personnel.
• Security arrangements.
• Monitoring and surveillance.

However, the success of such a system would depend on adequate planning, infrastructure, trained personnel and effective supervision.

Not Every School Admitting SS3 Students Is a “Miracle Centre”

While discussing allegations surrounding “miracle centres,” school proprietor Mr Jude Odeh from Otukpo Local Government Area offered a different perspective.

Odeh argued that admitting students into a school in their final year does not automatically qualify the school to be labelled a “miracle” examination centre.

He said he had heard allegations concerning the existence of such centres in Benue but had not identified a specific school operating as a miracle centre.

He also explained that some parents move their children from one school to another for different reasons, including the cost of examination registration and school fees.

According to him, some schools charge examination-related fees arbitrarily, and when these costs are added to school fees, the total amount may become difficult for some parents to afford.

Odeh also noted that some schools in Benue do not admit new students into SS3 and instead register only students who have progressed from SS2.

WAEC’s Position on Alleged Miracle Centres in Benue

It is important to distinguish between allegations and officially confirmed cases when discussing the issue.

The NAN report stated that WAEC had not received official confirmation of any school being a “miracle centre” in Benue State at the time of the report.

Timothy Manga nevertheless said the council would continue to monitor the situation and pay attention to information that could help identify and address examination malpractice.

This means readers should be cautious about social media posts or unofficial publications naming particular schools as miracle centres without evidence or confirmation from the appropriate authorities.

What Students Should Do to Avoid Examination Malpractice

Students preparing for WAEC, NECO and other public examinations should understand that genuine preparation remains the safest way to achieve good results.

Candidates should:

• Begin studying well before the examination.
• Follow the official examination syllabus.
• Practise with legitimate past questions and study materials.
• Ask teachers for clarification when they do not understand a topic.
• Avoid leaked questions and unauthorised answers.
• Refuse offers from individuals promising examination assistance.
• Follow all examination rules and regulations.
• Prepare adequately for CBT examinations where applicable.

Candidates should also be aware that involvement in examination malpractice can result in serious consequences under the rules of the relevant examination body.

What This Means for Future WAEC and NECO Examinations

The growing discussion around CBT, biometric verification, CCTV and independent examination centres reflects the continuing effort to strengthen the credibility of public examinations in Nigeria.

Greater use of technology could provide examination bodies with additional tools for candidate identification, monitoring and examination security.

However, technology is only one part of the solution. Effective examination security also requires adequate infrastructure, competent examination personnel, proper supervision and consistent enforcement of examination regulations.

For students, the message remains straightforward: prepare properly and rely on your knowledge rather than unauthorised assistance.

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Conclusion

The call for strict CBT by a WAEC official highlights the need for stronger measures to protect the credibility of public examinations in Nigeria. Computer-based testing, biometric verification, CCTV and better-controlled examination centres could provide examination bodies with additional tools to tackle malpractice.

At the same time, allegations concerning “miracle centres” should be properly investigated before specific schools or individuals are labelled. As stated in the report, WAEC had not officially confirmed any miracle centre in Benue at the time of the discussion.

Ultimately, examination success should be based on knowledge, preparation and competence. Students preparing for WAEC and other examinations are therefore encouraged to study seriously, follow examination regulations and avoid any form of malpractice.

For more WAEC news, examination updates, past questions, marking guides, timetables and result-checking guides, keep visiting MasterWAEC.com.