As examination malpractice continues to plague Nigerian education, a call has been made to ban smartphones in both secondary schools and tertiary institutions to help tackle the rising problem. Dr. Olorunnisola Saeed, the Acting Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at Al-Hikmah University, made this bold statement during a symposium on “Effects of Examination Malpractices on Education and National Development.” The event was organized by the Mission For The Eradication of Examination Malpractice (MEEM) under the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) B zone in Osogbo, Osun State.
Dr. Saeed pointed out that the increasing use of smartphones among students has become a major barrier to effective learning. He emphasized that social media distractions are rampant, particularly in tertiary institutions, where students often snap notes they never read. He argued that while technology can be beneficial, its misuse has reached alarming levels. He even cited a university where the ban of mobile phones led to improved concentration and less distraction among students, proposing that Nigeria adopt a similar policy nationwide.
“The misuse of technology in our schools must end. There is a need to prioritize learning tools such as computers over mobile phones, especially now that we have 5G networks,” he stated.
Eluwole Dipo, Commissioner for Education in Osun State, also weighed in, stressing that examination malpractice is not just an educational issue but one that affects national development. He warned that allowing cheating to persist would create graduates ill-equipped to face the challenges of leadership and innovation.
Professor Buniyamin Abdulkareem, the BOT chairman of MEEM, reaffirmed the NGO’s commitment to eradicating examination malpractice, urging all stakeholders, including teachers, parents, and students, to join forces in promoting academic integrity.
The discussion serves as a wake-up call for Nigerian educational institutions to rethink their approach to technology use and its impact on student learning and future success.
