Tutorial Centres Urged to Partner with Government to Combat Exam Malpractices

The Association of Tutorial School Operators in Ondo State has appealed to both federal and state authorities to forge strategic collaborations with registered tutorial centres to tackle the persistent issue of examination malpractice across Nigeria.

Speaking at the inauguration of the state executive of the association on Tuesday, Mr Femi Makinwa, the newly elected Ondo State Governor of the association, emphasised that legitimate tutorial centres play a crucial role in preparing students for examinations such as the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) and the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), without resorting to unethical practices.

Clarifying Misconceptions

Makinwa addressed public allegations linking tutorial centres to examination malpractice, insisting that such claims largely stem from the activities of unregistered and illegal outfits. “The assertion that we aid malpractices is misleading. Our registered centres focus solely on equipping students with the knowledge and skills they need to excel in exams through proper teaching,” he said.

He highlighted that illegal tutorial centres, which operate outside the framework of the association, often engage in malpractice, thereby tarnishing the reputation of legitimate operators. “It is only through mutual cooperation with government agencies that we can mitigate malpractice and identify the culprits behind it,” Makinwa added.

Promoting Collaboration and Policy Input

In his address, the new association leader pledged to strengthen ties between tutorial operators and educational policymakers, aiming to foster transparency and accountability in the sector. He suggested that the government could benefit from including registered tutorial centres in policy discussions to effectively curb malpractice at its roots.

Echoing this sentiment, Michael Williams, a former governorship aspirant within the association who stepped down during the election, called for a structured role for tutorial centres in shaping education policy. “We are key stakeholders in the academic development of students. Involving us in policy formulation can ensure that perpetrators of examination malpractice are adequately addressed,” he said, stressing the importance of unity in the association.

Leadership Mandate and Vision

Under Makinwa’s leadership, the association plans to elevate its image and expand its collaboration with educational stakeholders. “Our objective is to demonstrate to the government and the public that our association is dedicated to knowledge transfer and the holistic development of students,” he said.

The newly elected executive team includes Mr Samuel Ologun as Deputy Governor, Mr Adeniyi Bankole as General Secretary, Mr Taiwo Moses as Welfare Director, Mr Adama Aliero as Treasurer, and Mr Agbo Onwe as Public Relations Officer. The leadership team pledged to advance the association’s mission of fostering ethical education and promoting accountability in the tutorial sector.

Observers believe that enhanced cooperation between government authorities and registered tutorial centres could mark a significant step in reducing examination malpractice while improving educational standards in Ondo State and beyond.

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
Akahi News www.akahinews.org