Postgraduate students of the Department of Theatre and Media Arts (TMA) at the Federal University of Lafia (FULafia) have intensified efforts to combat examination malpractice, declaring the practice a serious threat to academic integrity, educational excellence and national development.
The students, who are pursuing postgraduate studies in Development Communication, made this known during a courtesy visit to the University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Aleruchi Chuku, where they pledged their commitment to supporting institutional initiatives aimed at eliminating examination malpractice across the university.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Zainab Ogbole described examination malpractice as one of the greatest challenges confronting Nigeria’s education sector. She explained that the persistent incidence of academic dishonesty has continued to undermine the credibility of certificates awarded by educational institutions, diminish the value of genuine academic achievement and discourage students who work hard to earn their grades.
According to her, the consequences of examination malpractice extend beyond the classroom, as it contributes to the production of graduates who lack the competence and skills required in the workplace. She warned that such a trend poses significant risks to the country’s socio-economic development by weakening professional standards and public confidence in higher education.
Ogbole stressed that academic excellence can only be sustained when students embrace diligence, discipline and honesty throughout their educational journey. She encouraged undergraduates and postgraduate students alike to reject every form of examination misconduct and instead cultivate a culture of integrity and personal responsibility.
She further appealed to university administrators, lecturers, parents and other stakeholders in the education sector to intensify awareness campaigns on the dangers of examination malpractice while ensuring strict enforcement of existing regulations against offenders. According to her, collective action remains essential to preserving the reputation and quality of Nigerian universities.
Responding to the students’ advocacy, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Aleruchi Chuku, commended the initiative, describing it as a commendable demonstration of students’ commitment to promoting ethical values within the academic community.
She expressed appreciation to the postgraduate students for lending their voices to the University’s ongoing campaign against examination malpractice, noting that student participation is critical to achieving lasting behavioural change on campus.
Professor Chuku reaffirmed the University’s zero-tolerance policy towards examination malpractice and assured the students that the institution would continue to strengthen measures aimed at preventing academic misconduct.
She maintained that the Federal University of Lafia remains resolute in protecting the integrity of its academic processes and would sustain efforts to ensure that examination malpractice is completely eradicated from the institution.
Initiatives such as the FULafia postgraduate students’ advocacy are therefore seen as important contributions towards fostering a culture of academic honesty, accountability and excellence within the nation’s universities.
