‘WAEC answers are not leaked before exams, Nigerian public must be guided’
Reactions have continued to trail the allegations that students are offered answers to the ongoing West African Examination Council (WAEC) test questions, hours before the exam papers are written on several websites and blogs.
A source close to WAEC and stakeholder in the fight against exam malpractice through use of modern technology who prefers to be anonymous because of the sensitivity of the matter, described the reports as tissue of lies invented in order to deceive and mislead unsuspecting members of public, especially candidates writing the exams, parents and other stakeholders in the education sector.
It further clarified that the purported leaked answers were for papers that were already written by the candidates and not fresh papers. He assured that technologies currently deployed by WAEC to cater for real time-examination-day processes or on the internet etc, are perfectly made to make the exams impervious for malpractice or compromise.
”I read on Leadership newspaper and some blogs with amusement a publication which sought to ridicule WAEC and the process of the conduct of its exams. All mischief makers must note that WAEC had deployed many foolproof technologies to fight all forms of malpractices in the conduct of its exams whether electronically or otherwise in line with international best practice. The credibility of the exams can never be compromised. I must also commend the professional conduct of Lagos State Police command for not giving in to the antics of these rumour peddlers.
The source also admonished the media to be professional in their conduct and not quick to go to press when they receive unprocessed information.
”Nigerian journalists must restrain from being used as a tool to misinform the public especially on matters bothering on credibility of exam governing body who are saddled with the responsibility of building better future for our youths. Journalists must not be seen playing the role of fifth columnist, they must be circumspect in their conduct, they must be thorough and investigative and as well eschew sensationalism or bias. It is a noble profession and must be treated as such.” the source added.
The source however urged the government to continually motivate the teachers in order to check the current high rate of attrition and to attract the best brains to the teaching profession. It charged the Nigerian government to step up the training of more teachers to sustain the newly-introduced trade subjects in the country’s school system and improve candidates’ performance in the interest of the nation. Continuing, it declared that parents have a lot to do in sanitizing the system and make their children good ambassadors of Nigeria at all times.