By Emmanuel Kwada
The Minister of Education, Dr. Fatima Ibrahim, issued a stern warning to candidates sitting for the ongoing West African Examinations Council (WAEC) examinations, cautioning that reliance on shortcuts and examination malpractice will lead to failure and long-term consequences.
The minister’s remarks, delivered during a monitoring visit to examination centers in Abuja on Wednesday, come amid growing concerns over rising cases of cheating among students.
Speaking to a group of candidates at Government Secondary School, Garki, Dr. Ibrahim emphasized the importance of hard work, integrity, and dedication in achieving academic success.
You are bound to fail if you follow shortcuts
“You are bound to fail if you follow shortcuts,” she declared. “Examination malpractice may seem like an easy way out, but it will rob you of the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in life. Your future depends on what you learn today, not on cheating.”
The minister’s warning follows reports from WAEC officials indicating a surge in attempts to smuggle electronic devices, pre-written answer sheets, and other prohibited materials into examination halls.
In one incident, two candidates were apprehended in Lagos for allegedly collaborating with external agents to access leaked question papers. WAEC has since vowed to impose strict penalties, including result cancellations and bans from future examinations, on those caught cheating.
We are working to ensure you have access to quality education, but you must play your part by studying hard and shunning malpractice
Dr. Ibrahim urged students to focus on diligent preparation and ethical conduct, assuring them that the Federal Government is committed to improving educational infrastructure and resources to support their success.
“We are working to ensure you have access to quality education, but you must play your part by studying hard and shunning malpractice,” she said.
The minister also commended teachers and invigilators for their role in upholding examination standards and called on parents to discourage their children from engaging in dishonest practices. “Let us all work together to build a generation of integrity,” she added.
Let us all work together to build a generation of integrity
WAEC’s Head of National Office, Mr. Amos Dangut, echoed the minister’s sentiments, revealing that the council has deployed advanced technology to detect malpractice and ensure the credibility of the examination process. “We are determined to maintain the integrity of our examinations. Candidates should know that there are no shortcuts to success,” he stated.
As the 2025 WAEC examinations continue across Nigeria, stakeholders are calling for increased awareness campaigns to educate students on the dangers of malpractice and the value of honest effort. The minister’s message serves as a timely reminder to candidates that true success is built on hard work and integrity.
