This paper examined the impact of awareness creation and administration of various sanctions on examination malpractice, using the West African Examinations Council as a case study. The effects of the awareness level and the sanctions were also critically x-rayed with a view to applauding the results if encouraging or suggesting an improved strategy for an effective control and noticeable reduction in the rate of examination malpractice in public examinations like the West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) conducted by WAEC.

The rate of candidates’ involvement in malpractice during the public examinations conducted across West African subregion is of great concern to many stakeholders. In spite of stringent measures taken to curb malpractice, the rate of involvement seems to be increasing geometrically. It is in reaction to this worrisome trend that this study was conducted to probe into the root-cause of continuous indulgence in malpractice during the examinations conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) in Nigeria. This is with a view to measuring the public awareness level as regards the implications of involvement in examination malpractice and appealing to their moral instinct to eschew this menace, using the proposed theory of awareness-creation and sanction-strategy (SACS). The study employed purposive sampling technique in selecting 10 (ten) states where various stakeholders in education were sampled for the administration of a questionnaire designed to gauge their knowledge of implications of involvement in examination malpractice of different forms. One thousand copies (1,000) of the instrument were administered in the States of Abia, Katsina, Kebbi, Benue, Kwara, Cross-River, Bayelsa, Nasarawa Niger and Edo among the Senior Secondary three Students, their teachers and parents of the same students. These states were purposively selected for their high level of malpractice recorded in the examination conducted by WAEC in recent times. Out of the administered copies of the instrument, nine hundred and forty-two (942) were retrieved for analysis.

Excerpt

Abstract
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Literature Review
- Bringing Foreign Material into Examination Hall
- Irregular Activities Inside or Outside the Examination Hall
- Collusion
- Impersonation
- Leakage
- Mass Cheating
- Insult/Assault on Supervisors/Invigilators/Inspectors
- Contravention of Instructions to Candidates
Theoretical Frame
Research Methodology
Discussion of Findings
Application of SACS to Curbing Examination Malpractice
Recommendations
Conclusion
References

Objectives and Key Themes

This study aims to investigate the root causes of persistent examination malpractice during West African Examinations Council (WAEC) examinations in Nigeria. It seeks to measure public awareness of the implications of such malpractice and propose solutions, utilizing a proposed theory of awareness-creation and sanction-strategy (SACS). The study hopes to inform strategies for reducing examination malpractice through a better understanding of public awareness and the effectiveness of sanctions.

Public awareness of the implications of examination malpractice.
Effectiveness of current sanctions in deterring malpractice.
The role of awareness-creation strategies in curbing malpractice.
Analysis of various forms of examination malpractice.
Proposal of improved strategies for controlling examination malpractice.

Chapter Summaries

Introduction: This chapter introduces the study's focus on the increasing rate of examination malpractice during WAEC examinations in Nigeria. It highlights the concerning trend of rising malpractice despite existing measures and emphasizes the need to investigate its root causes and propose effective solutions. The study uses the West African Examinations Council as a case study to examine the impact of awareness creation and sanctions on examination malpractice. The chapter sets the stage for a detailed exploration of the problem and the proposed solutions.

Statement of the Problem: This section details the escalating problem of examination malpractice in Nigeria. The chapter underscores the detrimental effect of this issue on the educational standards of the country and questions the integrity of certificates issued by examining bodies. The ineffectiveness of current measures taken by WAEC to curb malpractice motivates the research to investigate the reasons behind the increase in malpractice cases and to suggest long-term solutions.

Literature Review: This chapter provides a comprehensive review of existing literature on examination malpractice. It defines malpractice, drawing on different sources, and places examination malpractice within a historical and societal context, tracing its origins and evolution. It notes the increasing role of technology in facilitating malpractice and details specific types of malpractice identified by WAEC, along with their corresponding sanctions. The review establishes the background for understanding the scope and complexities of the problem.

Keywords

Public examinations, Malpractice, Awareness-creation, Sanction-strategy, Stakeholders, WAEC, Nigeria, Education, Sanctions, Deterrence.

Frequently Asked Questions: A Study on Examination Malpractice in Nigeria

What is the main focus of this study?

This study investigates the root causes of persistent examination malpractice during West African Examinations Council (WAEC) examinations in Nigeria. It aims to understand public awareness of the implications of such malpractice and propose solutions using a proposed theory of awareness-creation and sanction-strategy (SACS).

What are the key objectives of this research?

The study aims to:

Measure public awareness of the implications of examination malpractice.
Assess the effectiveness of current sanctions in deterring malpractice.
Analyze the role of awareness-creation strategies in curbing malpractice.
Analyze various forms of examination malpractice.
Propose improved strategies for controlling examination malpractice.

What types of examination malpractice are examined?

The study explores various forms of malpractice, including bringing foreign material into the examination hall, irregular activities inside or outside the examination hall, collusion, impersonation, leakage, mass cheating, and insult/assault on supervisors/invigilators/inspectors, and contravention of instructions to candidates.

What is the theoretical framework of the study?

The study utilizes a proposed theory of awareness-creation and sanction-strategy (SACS) to analyze the effectiveness of different approaches in combating examination malpractice.

What is the methodology used in this research?

The provided text does not detail the specific research methodology employed. Further information would be needed to understand the methods used for data collection and analysis.

What are the key findings and recommendations of the study?

The provided text offers an outline but does not present the detailed findings and recommendations. The full study would need to be consulted for this information. However, the study plans to discuss findings regarding public awareness, sanction effectiveness, and the role of awareness-creation strategies. Recommendations for improved strategies to control examination malpractice are also anticipated.

What are the key chapters in this study?

The study includes chapters on the abstract, introduction, statement of the problem, literature review (covering various forms of malpractice), theoretical frame, research methodology, discussion of findings, application of SACS to curbing examination malpractice, recommendations, conclusion, and references.

What are the keywords associated with this study?