Crescent University Flags Exam Malpractice as Crime and Misconduct

Guest speakers at the Bola Ajibola College of Law (BACOLAW), Crescent University, Abeokuta, have classified examination malpractice as both a criminal offence and an academic misconduct, stressing that universities can only impose sanctions following a fair hearing.

Professor Nasiru Tijani, former Deputy Director-General and Head of Lagos Campus of the Nigeria Law School, who was on sabbatical at BACOLAW between 2023 and 2024, stated under the topic “The Examination Conundrum: Defining Malpractice As a Crime or Misconduct” that examination malpractice is a crime under Section 1, Subsection 2 of the Lagos State Examination Malpractices Act.

Professor Rasaki Kareem, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Crescent University, in his lecture “Examination Malpractice: The Far-reaching Consequences for Education and Beyond,” described exam malpractice as an epidemic that undermines the credibility of examination results. He noted its wider impact on the educational system, including institutional disgrace, diminished global competitiveness, and reduced economic productivity. Students caught engaging in malpractice are referred to the Students Disciplinary Committee for appropriate action.

Speaking from the students’ perspective, Mr. Habeeb Ganiyu, 2025 valedictorian, acknowledged that academic pressures, particularly from parents seeking exceptional performance, often drive students to malpractice. He urged students to desist, emphasizing that such acts produce unethical practitioners who weaken societal structures.

The Registrar, Barrister Zakariyya Ajibola, commended the Acting Dean of BACOLAW, Dr. Saliu Jimoh, for organizing the seminar to sensitize students ahead of the first-semester examinations.

Crescent University continues to uphold its motto: Breeding Upright Achievers.