The National Examinations Council (NECO) has intensified efforts to combat examination malpractices fueled by internet fraud, particularly focusing on the leak of examination questions through WhatsApp platforms.
Mr. Ahmed Bagwai, Chairman of the Annual Posting Calendar Implementation Committee (APCIC) at NECO, revealed that the council has initiated legal processes to obtain court orders to block telephone lines identified as sources of these leaks.
"We have prepared a motion ex parte with additional input expected before filing suits at the Suleja Division of the Niger State High Court," Bagwai stated during an interview on Wednesday.
The NECO official further disclosed that the examination body operates an Examination Intelligence Committee that works in collaboration with agencies including the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
Persistent Challenges Despite Increased Security
Despite these collaborative efforts, Bagwai acknowledged that while it has become more difficult for fraudsters to access question papers days before examinations, leaks continue to occur just hours before scheduled papers.
"Distributions are tightly monitored from the printing press to custodian points, but we are still identifying suspicious patterns at the non-daily custodian level, possibly involving supervisors," he explained.
Investigations have uncovered dedicated WhatsApp channels functioning as marketplaces for leaked examination content. These platforms sell questions for prices ranging from ₦500 to ₦3,500 via fintech platforms, reaching candidates across different states in Nigeria.
Complicity and Corruption
Reports indicate that some teachers and examination supervisors facilitate these malpractices by accepting bribes from students and parents. An Ibadan-based teacher, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the existence of such channels and expressed concern that even joint state entrance examinations are now compromised.
"Social media, deteriorating societal values, and parental complicity are fuelling this crisis," the teacher stated, calling for stricter penalties and increased community vigilance to address what has been described as "a booming underground business" threatening the future of education in Nigeria.
Bagwai has called on the public, media organizations, and security agencies to work collaboratively to safeguard the integrity of national examinations in Nigeria.
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