The Association of Tutorial School Operators has urged the Federal and state governments to partner with registered tutorial centres to curb examination malpractices in Nigeria.
The association said collaboration with authorities would help address persistent allegations that tutorial centres aid malpractice during public examinations such as the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) and the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The newly elected Ondo State Governor of the association, Mr. Femi Makinwa, made the call on Tuesday in Akure following the election of the state executive members.
Makinwa dismissed claims that registered tutorial centres were involved in examination malpractices, insisting that members of the association were committed to genuine teaching and student preparation.
He blamed unregistered and illegal centres for most cases of malpractice, stressing that such operators were not members of the body.
“The allegation that we aid examination malpractice is not true,” he said. “Registered tutorial centres teach and prepare students to succeed on merit. Those involved in malpractice are illegal centres operating outside our association.”
He added that stronger cooperation between the association and government would significantly reduce malpractice, noting that operators were ready to propose practical solutions and support efforts to sanction offenders.
Makinwa also pledged to reposition the association, improve its public image and strengthen ties with government and key stakeholders in the education sector.
“We want the government to recognise our role in impacting knowledge and preparing students properly,” he said.
Also speaking, a former governorship aspirant of the association, Mr. Michael Williams, called on the Ondo State Government to involve the association in education policy formulation, describing tutorial operators as key stakeholders.
“If we are given a voice, we can work with government to flush out those promoting examination malpractices,” he said.
Williams, who stepped down during the election, said his decision was taken in the interest of unity and stability within the young association, and pledged his support for the new leadership.
Other members of the newly elected executive include Mr. Samuel Ologun as Deputy Governor, Mr. Adeniyi Bankole as General Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Moses as Welfare Director, Mr. Adama Aliero as Treasurer, and Mr. Agbo Onwe as Public Relations Officer.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.