The West African Examinations Council (WAEC), the examination governing body has laid bare the practices that constitute malpractice during and after examinations in the sub-region.
According to WAEC, taking foreign materials such calculators, mobile phones, smart watches, seeking assistance from colleague candidates in and to the examination hall constitute malpractice under the law.
Mr. V.C.K Sarfo, Acting Head of Test Development Division at WAEC threw the lights on the dos that constitute malpractice at a media sensitization programme in Accra.
He said collusion between supervisors or invigilators with candidates at the examination hall forms part of the offences that make up malpractice leading to cancellation of papers.
He said students who commit these offences during and after examination organized by WAEC can lead to withholding of papers of candidates involved or the total cancellation of the papers of a particular school and candidate.
Stating the effects of malpractices in examination, he said poor reliability of exams results, admission of unqualified students, appointment of wrong persons for vital positions, denial of admission to truly qualified students, shattered academic dreams and increased street children have been the results of examination over the years.
He added that students should be taken through the rudiments of examination dos and don’ts before the main day of examination to curb the temptation of students engaging malpractice.
He stressed that WAEC has taken steps over the years to cancel the results of student caught in this canker using modern technologies.
He noted that the council is considering using Close Circuit Television (CCTV) to monitor examination processes across the country.
On his part, Victor Brew, the Head of Legal Department of WAEC said the laws governing examination has reviewed for stiffer punishment for people caught in this act.
He said in recent times there are laws that regulate the activities of the council, which is the WAEC Act 719, 2006.
According to him, per the act anybody caught in a malpractice can be barred taking any WAEC examination for three years.
Source:happyghana.com