Late-Night WAEC, NECO Exams Increase Exam Malpractice, and Security Risk – OBADIMU, Ex-WAEC Examiner and Principal

A retired school principal and senior examiner of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), identified as Segun Obadimu, has raised concerns over the growing trend of conducting O'Level examinations late into the night, warning that it puts candidates at risk and creates opportunities for examination malpractice.

Speaking on a programme aired by OGBC, Obadimu said examinations remain an important part of the education system, but the recent scheduling of some WAEC and NECO papers at night undermines the integrity of the exercise.

"Students who already have plans to cheat will find it easier to carry out malpractice during late-night examinations."

The retired educator identified several challenges affecting the conduct of O'Level examinations, including the late arrival of question papers, misplacement of examination materials, inadequate furniture for candidates, and the persistent leakage of examination questions.

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According to him, some officials within examination bodies are allegedly involved in leaking question papers for financial gain, while social media platforms have made the illegal distribution of such materials easier and faster.

Explaining the importance of examinations, Obadimu said they are designed to assess students' understanding of what they have been taught, evaluate the effectiveness of teaching, and determine whether learners are ready to progress to higher academic levels.

"Students cannot successfully cope with higher levels of education if they do not properly understand what is taught at their current level."

Reflecting on his years as a school administrator, he recalled that examination officials regularly met with principals before the commencement of examinations to ensure strict compliance with guidelines.

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He noted that schools were expected to have all necessary materials in place, ensure examinations started and ended on schedule, properly arrange examination venues, and prevent any form of malpractice.

Obadimu also criticised the logistical challenges often reported during examinations, arguing that excuses such as vehicle breakdowns and poor road conditions should not affect the delivery of examination materials.

"All arrangements for transporting examination papers should have been concluded well before the examination day."

He called on the government and examination bodies to prioritise the safety of candidates by ending the practice of late-night examinations, strengthening measures against question leakage, and improving logistics to ensure the smooth conduct of future examinations.

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