Educationist, Nii Armah Addy has attributed the prevalence of examination malpractices among students to systemic failures within the educational sector, coupled with significant inequalities and inadequate preparation by schools and teachers.
Speaking on A Radio, Mr. Addy stressed that these issues disproportionately affect students from underprivileged schools lacking qualified teachers and proper infrastructure.
“Imagine a school where one teacher is responsible for teaching four to six subjects, along with infrastructural challenges. How will the teacher prepare these students to have confidence in themselves without resorting to other means to pass their exams? This is why we keep emphasizing the need to reform our educational system.”
Mr. Addy pointed out that a significant percentage of students caught engaging in examination malpractices usually come from less privileged schools. These schools, he said, often struggle with insufficient resources, unqualified teachers, and poor facilities, creating an environment where students feel compelled to cheat to succeed.
“If you take a closer look at the figures, you will realize that a greater percentage of students involved in these malpractices come from schools that lack qualified teachers and structures,” he noted.
He underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul of the educational system to address disparities and provide equal opportunities for all students.
“When you raise this argument, those who are not balanced in their views or those who are not nation-building conscious would say you are playing politics. But the truth is that ill-prepared schools do not equip students adequately,” he argued.
He urged for a comparative analysis between under-resourced schools and well-prepared schools, where nearly 100% of students advance to popular secondary schools.
His comments came in response to a recent statement by the West African Examination Council (WAEC) concerning the widespread engagement in examination malpractices. WAEC warned that students found cheating during the ongoing Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) would face arrest.
Source: A1Radioonline.Com|101.1MHZ|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga|
