Date: 2017-04-25

The Kwara state Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development last week summoned the chairperson of the All Nigerian Confederation of Secondary School Principals (ANCOPSS) over alleged exploitation of students in the ongoing West African Secondary Examination (WAEC) by some administrators.

National Pilot had reported last week that some principals asked students to pay extra N2, 000 in addition to the N23, 000 as examination fee for alleged assistance.

Speaking with National Pilot shortly after her session with the ministry, the Principal of Erin-Ile Secondary School, Hajia Rakiya Rabiu Sulyman said any teacher that is caught in such practice will not be spared, adding that ANCOPSS has zero tolerance for corruption and exam malpractices.

"I am not convinced that such an ugly situation would have come in at this time because exam malpractice has always been the first on our agenda at any meeting.

"We have always kicked against it. What is the essence of having ten credits that cannot be defended and the children are the ones to take over from us. The students are the leaders of tomorrow but if we don't mould them well, what will happen?

"The state government, Commissioner for Education, Teaching Service Commission Chairman and all other stakeholders in the industry in Kwara kicked against exam malpractice. We don’t want half baked students in our midst.

"Anybody that is caught will be seriously dealt with and ANCOPSS disciplinary committee will punish such a person or group. We don't condone any act of such and we have had the full complement of the government on this," she added.

She noted that there have been great improvements in the education system in the state, adding that "students that cannot cope with our efforts have been going to other states to look for miracle centres. But those that stayed have been reaping the result and getting enrolled in higher institution".

She also said ANCOPSS has been in the forefront of teachers and principals' welfare and thanking the government for working hard to resolve salary issues in the state.