In a decisive step to address examination malpractice in Nigeria, the Federal Government has appointed Professor Ishaq Oloyede, Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), to chair a newly inaugurated National Committee to Eradicate Examination Malpractice.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the Ministry of Education Conference Hall in Abuja, highlighted the government’s commitment to restoring credibility in the nation’s education system. The committee, officially named the Committee on the Improvement of Examination Quality, comprises key stakeholders, including representatives from JAMB, WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, ANCOPSS, and the Nigeria Union of Teachers.
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, praised Prof. Oloyede’s reformist leadership and commended his innovative use of technology to ensure examination credibility. “Professor Oloyede has shown unparalleled dedication to using technology to combat malpractice. His leadership of this committee is a testament to his ability to deliver transformative outcomes,” Dr. Alausa stated.
Under Prof. Oloyede’s leadership, the committee is tasked with:
Preventing examination leakages and fraud.
Transitioning all examination bodies to computer-based testing (CBT) within three years.
Establishing robust criteria for effective exam supervision.
Introducing stringent measures to eliminate identity theft and result falsification.
Implementing strategies to prevent candidate swapping during exams.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Oloyede described the initiative as a national call to action. “This is more than just an assignment—it is a national war against a crisis that undermines the future of our children and society. Examination malpractice is a threat to merit and integrity, and we are committed to delivering concrete, actionable outcomes,” he pledged.
The JAMB Registrar also stressed the importance of collaboration among all examination bodies and stakeholders, urging them to collectively uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s education system.
Additionally, Dr. Alausa directed all examination bodies to adopt enhanced security measures, including integrating photographs, Birth Certificates, and National Identification Numbers (NIN), into certificates by June 2025.
Hajia Saadat Madibbo Kawu, representing Commissioners of Education nationwide, expressed confidence in Prof. Oloyede’s leadership and the committee’s mandate. “Under his guidance, and with the grace of Almighty God, we are optimistic that this initiative will succeed,” she said.
Prof. Oloyede’s appointment signals a critical turning point in Nigeria’s efforts to tackle exam malpractice, with the committee expected to submit its recommendations by mid-2025. The Registrar’s proven track record at JAMB sets high expectations for this national endeavor to restore public trust in the education system.
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