Faculty members of the Open University of Tanzania’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) are urged to create top-notch study materials for Open and Distance Learning (ODL). Photo” Courtesy
Crackdown on Exam Impostors: 17 Arrested at Tanzania’s Open University in Integrity Drive
By Adonis Byemelwa
In a shocking turn of events, the Open University of Tanzania (OUT) has apprehended 17 individuals attempting to take exams on behalf of the university’s students. These individuals were found with forged identification cards and hall tickets, leading to their immediate detention by the police.
According to OUT, the suspects were apprehended between June 18 and June 24, 2024, at examination centers in Ilala and Kinondoni. The Vice Chancellor of OUT, Professor Elifas Bisanda, disclosed this through a statement released by the university’s Communication Department on June 28, 2024.
“Our university commenced examinations on June 3, and they concluded on June 24. During this period, 10,417 students took their exams across 53 centers nationwide. Thanks to the vigilance of our examination supervisors, we were able to catch 17 impostors, especially at the Ilala and Kinondoni centers,” said Professor Bisanda.
The act of forging university IDs and exam hall tickets is a criminal offense, and Professor Bisanda emphasized that the law should take its course. He clarified that the arrested individuals were not from OUT but from other institutions and some were professionals working in various fields.
One third-year student (name withheld) from OUT recounted witnessing an incident where a young man was caught by an invigilator in the exam room.
“There was a commotion. The young man had his ID taken away and tried to escape. If he had the chance, he would have jumped out the window. Four invigilators had to restrain him, and we were told to continue with our exams,” the student said.
Regarding the consequences for those who hired these impostors, Professor Bisanda stated that the university’s exam regulations would be strictly enforced. “The university authorities will interrogate the involved students. If found guilty, they will be punished according to our regulations,” he said.
For those handed over to the police, Professor Bisanda expressed dissatisfaction with the response that investigations were ongoing. “Given that National Security officials witnessed these events, no further investigation should be necessary. I will report this to the headquarters of the Police Force, the Office of the Chief of Police, and the Office of the President for follow-up,” he added.
To prevent such incidents in the future, Professor Bisanda revealed that OUT is preparing to register all students using fingerprint biometrics. This technology will verify each candidate’s identity at all examination centers.
“OUT has built a strong international reputation for its robust exam security system. Our IT experts have developed an examination system that makes it extremely difficult for exam leaks to occur.
University assessments are criticized for prioritizing theory over practical skills may fail to prepare students for real-world challenges. Photo:OUT
Even the instructor teaching a course does not know the exam questions in advance and only sees them after the students have completed the exam,” Professor Bisanda explained.
University assessments that heavily focus on theoretical knowledge rather than practical skills are often criticized for not adequately preparing students for real-world challenges. Theoretical exams may test memory and understanding but can fall short in assessing a student’s ability to apply knowledge in practical situations.
This gap between theoretical learning and practical application can lead to a workforce that is less prepared for hands-on roles in their respective fields.
One significant weakness is that theoretical assessments often encourage rote learning, where students memorize information without truly understanding or being able to apply it.
This can be particularly problematic in fields that require critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical skills, such as engineering, medicine, and technology.
Maths Professor Hillary Lloyd from the University of New South Wales in Australia, who had worked and conducted practicals at Katoke Teachers’ College in Muleba, Kagera Region in 2005, emphasized the importance of practical assessments.
“Real-world problem-solving tasks and project-based evaluations provide a more comprehensive evaluation of student capabilities,” he noted.
Professor Ladislaus Semali from Pennsylvania University in the US, who had a sabbatical leave at Makumira University in 2007 and taught the author of this piece, suggested utilising biometric verification and randomized questions to deter cheating.
“Using fingerprint or facial recognition technology to verify student identities can prevent impersonation, and creating a large pool of questions for different sets can make it harder for students to share answers,” he explained.
The late Professor Eliawony Meena of Makumira University also shared valuable insights on effective assessment methods. He believed in fostering a culture of integrity through strict academic honor codes and practical learning environments.
“Establishing and enforcing strict honor codes can instill a culture of integrity and discourage dishonest behavior,” he once remarked.
By integrating these strategies, universities can elevate the fairness and integrity of their assessment processes, ensuring students are evaluated based on their true abilities and knowledge. The adoption of practical, project-based evaluations, biometric verification, and stringent academic honor codes can transform the educational landscape.
“A shift towards more holistic assessment methods not only curbs cheating but also cultivates a more competent and ethical generation of graduates,” emphasized Professor Lloyd. This sentiment was echoed by Professor Semali, who highlighted the importance of maintaining academic rigor while embracing innovative solutions.
Ultimately, the commitment to upholding academic integrity and fostering genuine learning will equip students with the skills and values needed to thrive in their professional careers. This comprehensive approach promises a brighter future for higher education, where merit and hard work truly shine.
