Indiscipline, Exam Malpractice Threaten Education—Iyere Principal
By Exponent News, Akure | 17th July, 2025
The Principal of Adeyeri Iyere Comprehensive High School, Iyere-Owo, Mr. Akinmeji Benson, has decried the growing rate of indiscipline and examination malpractice among students, describing them as major impediments to the development of Nigeria’s educational sector.
Speaking in an interview, Mr. Benson emphasized that despite collaborative efforts from the school, the community, and security agencies, curbing indiscipline and malpractice remains a daunting task, especially during national examinations.
“Indiscipline and exam malpractice have long been a bane to educational progress. Here in Iyere, we invited the Kabiyesi (King’s Chiefs and Baales Council), the Area Commander, and other stakeholders. We had several meetings and collaborative arrangements, and thankfully, the level of indiscipline has now drastically reduced,” he said.
On the issue of examination malpractice, however, the principal expressed deep concern over the increasing sophistication of cheating, particularly in external examinations. He noted that many students gain access to questions and answers through online leaks before exam day, thereby undermining genuine learning.
“The major problem we face as principals during external exams is that students already have access to the questions and answers online before entering the hall. Despite all our monitoring efforts, it becomes difficult to control,” he lamented.
To address these challenges, Mr. Benson outlined a series of disciplinary measures enforced within the school. These include a strict “no certificate class for malpractice” policy and automatic repetition or expulsion for students caught violating exam rules.
“Any student caught in malpractice will repeat the class. If caught twice for indiscipline, the student will be asked to leave the school entirely. Parents are invited and made to understand our stance. We want them to know that we’re serious about enforcing discipline,” he stressed.
The principal also revealed that the school engages ad hoc staff to monitor students during school hours and ensure they do not loiter or engage in unlawful activities.
“You can’t find our students outside the school’s designated areas during school time. If they are found elsewhere, parents are summoned, and punishment follows immediately,” he added.
He urged parents to join hands with educators to instill moral discipline and academic integrity in their children, adding that the fight against malpractice must be a collective one involving homes, schools, and the community.
Mr. Benson reaffirmed the school’s commitment to creating a disciplined, focused, and result-driven learning environment.
“With the cooperation of parents and teachers, we are doing our best to cope,” he concluded.
