The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has disqualified 13 schools in Kogi State for engaging in various levels of examination malpractice during the 2023/2024 examinations.
This was revealed by the state’s Commissioner for Education, Wemi Jones, during a meeting with principals and supervisors implicated by WAEC for malpractice.
The commissioner also announced that 14 supervisors had been blacklisted by the council for their involvement in malpractice during the 2023/2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in the state.
He further stated that the government is determined to take disciplinary action against school principals, teachers, and supervisors who participated in or facilitated examination malpractices.
Jones stressed that examination malpractice is a criminal offense and would be addressed under the law. He stated that offenders would now face prosecution under the Kogi State Education Law and Other Related Matters, 2020.
He announced plans to establish a committee, led by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, to investigate individuals implicated by WAEC. The commissioner warned that anyone found guilty would face legal action in court.
Kogi State has made significant investments in education and will no longer tolerate the actions of ‘bad elements’ undermining the progress achieved in the sector,” Jones declared.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Seidu Jibrin, urged principals and supervisors to refrain from engaging in examination malpractice, emphasizing that such actions not only harm the state but also jeopardize the future of students.
“I encourage you to reflect deeply on your actions, as history will judge everyone by their deeds,” he said.
He noted that while some teachers are being recognized with awards, it is regrettable for others to be singled out for condemnation.
It is disheartening that this is happening despite Kogi State’s significant investment in education. Anyone found guilty will face strict penalties,” Jibrin warned.
