Disadvantages of Examination Malpractice and Consequences

Examination malpractice might seem like a shortcut, but it comes with serious consequences that can affect your future. Did you know that about 60% of students admit to engaging in one form of exam malpractice or another? While it might seem like an easy way out at the moment, the damage to your reputation, education, and even career can be long-lasting.

Failing to understand the dangers of cheating can lead to expulsion, revoked certifications, and a stained academic record. Let’s dive into why examination malpractice is harmful and the far-reaching consequences it can have on your life.

What Is Examination Malpractice?

Examination malpractice refers to any inappropriate or illegal behavior by a candidate aimed at achieving a favorable result in an exam. This unethical practice can occur before, during, or after an exam, often involving both students and examiners. In essence, it compromises the integrity of the examination process.

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Types of Examination Malpractice

Here are some common forms of examination malpractice:

• Leakage of Question Papers: This involves unauthorized access to exam questions before the exam, often aided by insiders like examiners or printing staff.
• Impersonation: Someone else taking an exam on behalf of the candidate.
• Smuggling of Foreign Materials (Expo): Bringing unauthorized materials into the exam hall.
• External Assistance: Receiving help from outsiders during an exam.
• Collusion: Candidates conspiring to cheat during the exam.
• Ghost Centers: Special centers known for high levels of examination fraud.
• Intimidation: Using threats to force others to cheat or assist in cheating.
• Mass Cheating: Large-scale cheating by a group of candidates.
• Giraffing: Peeking at another candidate’s work.
• E-Cheating: Using technology to cheat, such as hidden devices or online assistance.
• Time Out: Leaving the exam hall under false pretenses to access answers.

Causes of Examination Malpractice

Several factors contribute to examination malpractice:

• Parental Pressure: Parents pushing their children to succeed at all costs.
• Inadequate Teaching: Teachers not covering the syllabus effectively.
• Societal Expectations: Society placing undue emphasis on certificates over actual knowledge.
• Poor Government Policies: Insufficient investment in education and inadequate punishment for offenders.
• Overcrowded Exam Halls: Too many candidates in a small space, making supervision difficult.
• Lack of Moral Education: A decline in ethical standards among students and educators.
• Fear of Failure: The intense pressure to pass exams, often instilled by teachers or society.

Disadvantages of Examination Malpractice

Examination malpractice has several negative consequences:

• Reduced IQ: Cheating hinders intellectual development and problem-solving skills.
• Memory Loss: Over time, reliance on cheating stunts cognitive growth.
• Inferiority Complex: Students who cheat may feel inadequate, leading to low self-esteem.
• Encourages Incompetence: Cheating leads to unqualified individuals being certified.
• Destroys Integrity: It undermines the credibility of educational institutions.
• Poor Communication Skills: Students who cheat miss out on developing essential skills.
• Social Consequences: Cheating can lead to poor social interactions and relationships.

Consequences of Examination Malpractice

The repercussions of examination malpractice are far-reaching:

• Mass Failure: Widespread cheating can result in the cancellation of entire exam centers’ results.
• Wasted Resources: Time, effort, and money spent on a compromised exam are wasted.
• Long-Term Impact: Graduates who cheat may perpetuate fraud in their professional lives, eroding trust in educational and professional systems.
• Criminal Behavior: Cheating can lead students down a path of other criminal activities.
• Devaluation of Certificates: The worth of academic qualifications is diminished, both nationally and internationally.
• Legal Consequences: Offenders face fines, imprisonment, and expulsion from educational institutions.

Final Words

Examination malpractice is a significant issue that undermines the integrity of our education system. It is a dishonest practice that affects not only students but also educators, institutions, and society at large. To maintain the credibility of our educational qualifications and promote genuine learning, we must combat this issue collectively. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can Examination Malpractice Lead to Legal Consequences?

Of course, engaging in examination malpractice can result in fines, imprisonment, or both, along with academic penalties like suspension or expulsion.

What Is Wrong About Examination Malpractice?

It undermines integrity, devalues qualifications, and promotes dishonesty, leading to a loss of trust in the education system.

What Is the Punishment for Examination Malpractice in Nigeria?

Students caught in examination malpractice may be fined up to ₦50,000, imprisoned for up to three years, or both.

What Are the Four Major Causes of Examination Malpractice?

• Laziness
• Peer influence
• Parental pressure
• Poor invigilation