CBT best way to curb ‘miracle centres’, examination malpractice — WAEC official

The West African Examination Council (WAEC) is urging the implementation of strict computer-based testing (CBT) as a primary measure to curb widespread examination malpractice, particularly in centers known as "miracle centers." Timothy Manga, an official from the WAEC office in Makurdi, emphasized that these centers facilitate organized cheating, undermining the credibility of public examinations and educational certificates.

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Strict computer-based testing to curb examination malpractice in some centres, popularly known as “miracle centres.”

Manga noted that allegations of "miracle centers" in Benue state are a significant concern, although official confirmation remains elusive. In the Nigerian educational context, a "miracle center" is an examination venue where candidates allegedly receive unauthorized assistance or answers during tests. Manga stressed that such practices threaten the educational system by rewarding cheating over genuine academic effort.

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Any system that rewards students for cheating undermines those who have worked hard to prepare for examinations.

"We need an examination system where success is determined by knowledge, preparation, and competence, not by the ability to access assistance during examinations," Manga stated. WAEC is actively monitoring the situation and is prepared to take action if any such centers are identified.

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We need an examination system where success is determined by knowledge, preparation, and competence, not by the ability to access assistance during examinations.

Teachers and school proprietors have also weighed in on the issue. Rebecca Ezekiel, a teacher, suggested that independent examination centers, coupled with technologies like biometric verification and CCTV cameras, could enhance monitoring and reduce the influence of schools over examination processes. Jude Odeh, a school proprietor, acknowledged hearing allegations but has yet to identify specific schools operating as "miracle centers," adding that admitting students in their final year does not automatically qualify a school for such a label.

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Though WAEC has not gotten any information on any school being a “miracle centre”, we would continue to put our ears to the ground in case we hear of any that we can set an example with.