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Innovation of ICT panacea to curbing examination malpractices— Perm Sec.

Published

6 years ago

August 6, 2019

Innovation of ICT panacea to curbing examination malpractices— Perm Sec.

Mr Sonny Echono, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education said that the role of innovation in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for assessment of examination bodies would go a long way in curbing examination malpractices.

Echono was speaking at the 37th Annual Conference of the Association for Educational Assessment in Africa (AEAA) in Abuja on Monday.

The theme of the conference is tagged” Innovation in Educational Assessment”.

The permanent secretary called on participants to integrate technology and innovation to create efficiency while also leveraging on the bountiful opportunities the end result would bring.

According to him, the world today is evolving into a knowledge-based economy and the benefits accruing from the phenomenon could only be harnessed by countries with highly skilled and educated labour force.

” President Muhammadu Buhari led administration recognises that Nigeria’s education system must prepare and equip the citizenry to be globally competitive in addition to effectively contributing their quota to national development.

” In achieving these twin goals, I am pleased to inform you that the Federal Government of Nigeria through the ministry has developed an ‘Education for Change’ blueprint.

” This is intended to provide the road map for an accelerated delivery of inclusive quality education to Nigerian citizens.”

Echono added that about 1.3 trillion naira had been expended on the sector in the last four years to provide critical education infrastructure while also placing more emphasis on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

He, therefore, urged participants at the conference to reflect on the role of innovation on assessment to break new frontiers in education.

Meanwhile, Dr Litsabako Ntoi, President, AEAA said it was important for member countries to share ideas on ways to expand practices toward the attainment of the goal of collective improvement of educational agenda.

Ntoi said that to conquer the educational challenges we face in the 21st century as a continent , there was need to continuously learn from one another.

She noted that the role of ICT in curbing examination malpractices could not be overemphasised as the world was moving towards the fourth industrial revolution.

” Some of the things that relate to examination malpractices are security at large.

” But one of the things we have to move into is cyber security as we are now going electronic when it comes to testing and assessment.

” We have to be able to protect ourselves in electronic manner. As far as malpractice is concerned across Africa, we are trying our best and hope that this innovation will help us reach our goal,” She said.

Also, Dr Iyi Uwadiae, Registrar, West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) said efforts had been put in place to expose the examination to the Computer Based Test(CBT) in order to reduce malpractices.

” What we are trying to do is to ensure that the objective components of our examination is exposed to CBT.

“We also have to look at the readiness of the various government so as to work along to achieve a common goal in curbing malpractices.

Also, Dr Lami Amodu, Chairman, Nigeria National Committee of WAEC urged scholars at the conference to proffer lasting solutions to the challenges of examination malpractices.

She called for attention on the educational assessment for learners with special needs to ensure every child gets equal and fair educational assessment opportunities.

The AEAA is a non-profit making organisation established in 1982 to promote cooperation amongst examining and assessment bodies in Africa.

Among country delegates at the conference include Republic of Botswana, Cameron, Nigeria and Ethiopia.

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

6 days ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

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