Nigeria's Education Minister Exposes Shocking Exam Malpractice

In a startling revelation, Nigeria's Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has disclosed that examination questions for the National Examinations Council (NECO) were allegedly sold for as little as ₦3,000 before exams, highlighting the extent of rampant malpractice in the country's education system. 

Speaking at a meeting with the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, Alausa described the situation as “mind-boggling,” stressing that such malpractice creates an unfair playing field for diligent students who prepare honestly for their exams.

The minister recounted his experience during the 2025 examination period, where he received leaked questions that sometimes matched those scheduled for the day, forcing him to verify their authenticity with examination authorities. “I would wake up with trepidation every morning, always worried about the integrity of the exams,” he noted.

Alausa criticized the systemic acceptance of examination malpractice, stating that it has long been tolerated in Nigeria, pushing honest students towards unethical practices in a bid to compete. He emphasized that the issue extends beyond students, implicating parents, teachers, and schools in a broader conspiracy.

“The students are the smallest players in this ecosystem. When parents, schools, and teachers collude, it undermines the entire system,” he asserted. He called for collective responsibility to curb the malpractice, warning that the Federal Government is poised to strengthen measures to protect the integrity of public examinations.

The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, echoed these sentiments, urging private school proprietors to support reforms aimed at introducing serialized examination questions to prevent leaks. She emphasized the need for schools to adhere to curricula and promote genuine preparation among students.

Both ministers underscored that the ongoing reforms are part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader efforts to restore standards in Nigeria’s education system. Alausa declared, “We will not desecrate the Nigerian system under this President’s watch.”

The renewed emphasis on examination integrity aims to ensure that results from public examinations reflect true knowledge and abilities, ultimately leveling the playing field for all candidates. This initiative seeks to dismantle long-standing practices that have plagued Nigeria’s educational framework.

As the nation grapples with the implications of these revelations, the ministers’ calls for action offer a glimmer of hope for a more equitable education system in Nigeria.