Anambra Govt Declares War on Exam Malpractice, Partners Scripture Union on Moral Discipline

By Praise Chinecherem

The Anambra State Government has vowed to intensify its crackdown on examination malpractice and so-called miracle centres, as Scripture Union (SU) Nigeria seeks a partnership with the state to promote academic integrity and moral discipline among students.

The Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ekene Ogugua, gave the assurance when the National Chairman of the Scripture Union Education Board, Prof. Victor Okonkwo, led a delegation from the Awka Area on a courtesy visit to him at the State Secretariat Complex, Awka.

The visit focused on strengthening examination monitoring, expanding Scripture Union clubs across schools and promoting ethical values among students through collaboration between the government, parents and faith-based organisations.

Speaking during the visit, Okonkwo expressed the organisation’s readiness to partner with the state government in tackling examination malpractice and improving academic standards.

He appealed to the Ministry of Education to support the expansion of Scripture Union clubs in schools across Anambra, noting that the clubs promote Bible reading, moral discipline and responsible behaviour among students.

The SU Education Board chairman also proposed collaboration with Parent-Teacher Associations to strengthen the involvement of parents in shaping students’ character and encouraging academic honesty.

However, he raised concerns over alleged levies reportedly linked to examination malpractice in some schools, claiming that SU members who refused to pay had experienced difficulties during examinations.

Okonkwo urged the commissioner to investigate the allegations and take appropriate action if any wrongdoing was established.

He also congratulated Ogugua on his appointment, expressing optimism that cooperation between Scripture Union and the ministry would help strengthen moral education and academic integrity in the state.

In his response, Ogugua pledged to strengthen measures against examination malpractice and the operation of so-called miracle centres, warning that officials found compromising academic standards would face disciplinary consequences.

He said the state government was developing measures to ensure that examination results reflected students’ actual knowledge, abilities and individual efforts.

The commissioner maintained that the credibility of the education system depended on ensuring that students earned their results through genuine academic performance rather than fraudulent practices.

He urged students to reject dishonest shortcuts and embrace diligent study, discipline and personal responsibility.

Ogugua also encouraged students to report anyone demanding money to facilitate examination malpractice.

He warned that officials found guilty of such misconduct would be removed from their positions.

The commissioner linked the erosion of societal values partly to excessive emphasis on money and the pursuit of quick wealth, stressing the need to restore integrity, discipline and responsible conduct.

He argued that schools should not only equip students with academic knowledge but also instil values that prepare them to become responsible members of society.

Ogugua expressed the ministry’s willingness to work with Scripture Union to promote moral development among students.

He also welcomed the prospect of collaborating with the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation to advance the state’s value-reorientation agenda.

The proposed partnership highlights the role of collective action in addressing examination malpractice and protecting the credibility of educational qualifications.

Through stronger cooperation among government agencies, school administrators, parents and faith-based organisations, stakeholders hope to reinforce academic honesty and promote a culture in which students succeed through knowledge, hard work and personal merit.

Members of the Scripture Union delegation included National Treasurer, Prof. Emma Okoye; Awka Area Chairman, Nduka Ekwenchi; and Travelling Secretary, Kingsley Azaribe, among others.

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