Author(s) :

Yaha Bitrus Bawa.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

The persistent incidence of examination malpractice in some secondary schools in Taraba State has continued to undermine the integrity and credibility of the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). Despite various measures put in place to curb these malpractices, the problem remains widespread, prompting the need to assess the effectiveness of WAEC’s examination administration in improving examination standards in the state. The primary objective of the study is to examine the extent to which WAEC’s examination administration, particularly the enforcement of penalties for examination malpractice, has enhanced the quality and standard of SSCE candidates in Taraba State. A mixed-method research design was adopted, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data were collected using Google-based questionnaires and interviews. The study population comprised lecturers and students from three tertiary institutions in Taraba State, as well as the Head of Examinations at WAEC Jalingo and other examiners in the state, bringing the total population to 479 respondents. A sample size of 231 was determined using Krejcie and Morgan’s (1970) sample size table, with an additional 10% added to account for non-responses, resulting in 228 valid responses used for analysis. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. Findings revealed that WAEC’s enforcement mechanisms significantly explain improvements in examination standards in Taraba State. The study concludes that maintaining high examination standards is essential for producing competent graduates capable of contributing meaningfully to national development. It recommends stricter enforcement of penalties and the adoption of technologies such as biometric verification and surveillance systems to curb malpractice and enhance examination integrity. Key Words: Enforcement, Malpractice, Standard

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