The Oyo State Government has issued a stern warning to secondary school students across the state, urging them to avoid any form of examination malpractice during the ongoing National Examination Council (NECO) assessments.
This caution was delivered by the Chairperson of the Oyo State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Mrs. Oladipo Olubukola, during a two-day monitoring exercise across various secondary schools on Wednesday and Thursday. The monitoring covered several educational zones to observe the conduct of the examinations in public schools.
During her visit, Olubukola emphasized the need for both teachers and students to maintain integrity and discipline throughout the examination period. She strongly advised against taking shortcuts, warning that such unethical behavior could jeopardize students’ future academic opportunities.
She stated, “Students must focus on their academics and shun all forms of malpractice. Upholding academic honesty is crucial for their success in gaining admission into their universities of choice.”
Olubukola reiterated that the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards examination malpractice. She affirmed that the government, through TESCOM, is committed to sustaining high academic standards in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, adding that anyone found guilty of malpractice would face appropriate disciplinary actions.
The monitoring team visited several schools in Ibadan, including Ibadan Grammar School, St. Anne’s School, Olubi Memorial Grammar School, and Saint Luke’s College.
Reacting to the government’s efforts, the Principal of Ibadan Grammar School, Mr. Ogunleye Biodun, expressed appreciation to Governor Makinde for prioritizing education. He acknowledged that the state’s focus on academic development has significantly improved the learning environment in public schools.