This includes the overemphasis on paper qualifications, widespread examination malpractice, and the underutilization of Technical and Vocational Education and Training, TVET as a viable pathway for national development.
The summit, themed “Nigeria’s Obsession with Paper Qualification and Integrity of Public Examinations: Is TVET the Way Forward?”, opened with remarks from the Chairman, Engr. Olawunmi Gasper.
He noted that decades of prioritizing certificates over skills, innovation, and character have created an environment where shortcuts, collusion, and malpractice thrive.
“When society worships certificates over creativity and practical ability, unethical practices naturally prevail,” Engr. Gasper said. “TVET is a crucial but undervalued pathway that can drive industrialization, entrepreneurship, and employment in Nigeria.”
He commended ongoing government reforms aimed at modernizing technical colleges, integrating industry-relevant curricula, and promoting hands-on apprenticeships.
Welcoming participants, EWAN Chairman Mr. Mojeed Alabi highlighted the imbalance between university education and technical training, stressing that Nigeria produces large numbers of graduates but insufficiently skilled technicians.
“Our focus today is on actionable reforms,” he said. “We must ensure that education produces competent, skilled graduates capable of contributing meaningfully to the economy.”
The summit’s panel session addressed the nexus between certificate obsession and examination integrity. NECO Registrar Prof. Ibrahim Dantani emphasized that certification should reflect genuine competence, not merely paper qualifications.
Head of National Office, WAEC, Dr. Amos Dangut outlined challenges in curbing malpractice, particularly in the digital age where GSM phones and online guides facilitate cheating.
He highlighted measures such as the Examination Intelligence Committee in Lagos, fully digitalized Computer-Based Testing (CBT), continuous assessment reforms, and collaboration with security agencies to strengthen examination integrity.
Dr. Dangut stressed that examinations should serve as diagnostic tools to help students identify weaknesses rather than merely as a means to obtain certificates.
“The root of the problem begins at home, from early childhood education, and extends to teacher training and societal pressures,” he said, noting that fully digitalized exams have reduced malpractice to less than 1%, a figure within global acceptable standards.
Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, who was represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof. Afolabi Lesi, echoed calls to rethink the nation’s certificate-centered culture.
She argued that degrees alone are insufficient without accompanying competencies and practical skills, noting that societal pressure to acquire paper qualifications drives cheating and unhealthy competition. Prof. Lesi also urged stronger adoption of technology in assessment to curb malpractice.
Chief Yomi Otubala, former President of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), highlighted structural challenges in policy implementation, including the phased introduction of CB-WASSCE and new curricula.
He noted gaps in coordination among WAEC, NECO, the Ministry of Education, and schools, stressing that insufficient infrastructure in public and private schools further exacerbates challenges.
“Malpractice often results from poor implementation and inadequate preparedness, not just student misconduct,” he said.
Summit discussions concluded with calls for a holistic approach to reform: strengthening TVET, investing in teacher training and school infrastructure, enforcing integrity in examinations, and realigning societal attitudes to value skills and competencies alongside traditional qualifications.
Stakeholders affirmed the summit’s role as a platform to advocate for practical, long-term solutions to Nigeria’s educational challenges.
