WAEC Bans 13 Schools In Kogi State Over Examination Malpractices
The West African Examination Council (WAEC) has imposed a ban on 13 schools in Kogi State, preventing them from participating in the West Africa Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). The move comes after the schools were implicated in widespread examination malpractices during the 2023/2024 WASSCE.
This development was revealed by the state’s Commissioner for Education, Mr. Wemi Jones, during a meeting with principals and supervisors accused of misconduct by WAEC. Additionally, the council blacklisted 14 supervisors for their involvement in malpractices.
Mr. Jones expressed the state government’s firm stance against examination fraud, describing it as a criminal offense punishable under the law. He emphasized that those found culpable, including school principals, teachers, and supervisors, would face severe consequences. Moving forward, offenders will be prosecuted under the Kogi State Education Law and Other Matters Connected Therewith, 2020.
To further address the issue, the ministry plans to establish a committee, led by its Permanent Secretary, to investigate individuals indicted by WAEC. Mr. Jones highlighted the state’s significant investments in education, stressing that it would not allow unethical practices to undermine its progress.
“Kogi State has invested so much in education and will no longer tolerate the attitude of the ‘bad eggs’ drawing back the gains already made in the education sector,” he stated.
Dr. Seidu Jibrin, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, echoed this sentiment, urging principals and supervisors to reflect on their actions. He warned that anyone found guilty of malpractice would face strict sanctions.
“It is unfortunate that this is happening when Kogi State is investing so much in education. Whosoever is found culpable will be severely sanctioned,” Dr. Jibrin reiterated.
The Kogi State government’s decisive response underscores its commitment to restoring integrity in the education sector and ensuring accountability among stakeholders.
