By BILQIS MOHAMMED
In a bid to restore integrity and excellence in the educational system of Kogi State, parents have been urged to actively discourage their children from engaging in examination malpractice.
This call to action was made by the Commissioner for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones, during the Ultrage Foundation Scholarship Presentation Ceremony held in Lokoja.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Albert Alabi, the commissioner emphasised the importance of cultivating ethical academic behavior among students.
Related News
The Commissioner noted that exam malpractice has increasingly become a significant concern, not only in Kogi State but across the nation.
He revealed that as students face mounting pressure to perform well academically, the temptation to resort to dishonest practices often grows.
While reflecting on the ugly trend, he acknowledged that the issue seemed to be intensifying, posing a considerable threat to the integrity of the educational system.
Hon. Jones while highlighting the state’s commitment to quality education, noted that government allocates 30% of its budget for the payment of entrance and exit exams for public school students.
He further maintain that the investment underlines State Government’s commitment to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to excel through fair means.
The Commissioner commended certain schools within the state that have taken decisive stance against exam malpractice by fostering a culture of honesty and accountability adding that these institutions serve as exemplary models for others, encouraging a collective effort to combat the scourge of examination irregularities.
He said the responsibility of addressing this issue does not solely rest with educational institutions or government bodies; but that parents play a crucial role in shaping their children’s attitudes towards education.
Hon. Jones therefore appealed to parents to engage actively in their children’s academic lives, by instilling values of honesty and hard work at home, and urged parents to create an environment where children feel motivated to succeed through legitimate means.
“We must work together to ensure our children understand the importance of integrity,” Hon.Jones stated. Adding that “A certificate gained through dishonest means is worthless and undermines their future”.
The commissioner while acknowledging that collaboration was key to effecting meaningful change, expressed a strong desire for ongoing cooperation between the State Government and organisations like the Ultrage Foundation adding that such partnerships can help implement programs aimed at promoting ethical behavior and providing support to less privileged students.
On her part, the Director General of Radio Kogi, Hajiya Nana Yusuf, also commended the significant effort of the foundation towards assisting the less fortunate through their sponsorship programme
She praised the Ultrage Foundation for its commitment to supporting the underprivileged and promised to ensure that their initiatives received adequate publicity through her platform.
The DG noted that creating awareness and celebrating positive actions can inspire others in the community to follow suit, reinforcing the collective effort against exam malpractice
The Country Director of Ultrage GC Foundation, Merrytime Braimoh, disclosed substantial steps taken by the organisation to address educational inequities and provide opportunities for deserving students.
During the scholarship presentation ceremony, the Country Director, shared insights into their upcoming initiatives. The foundation plans to extend its outreach to support less privileged widows and distribution essential school supplies, including school bags, to children in need.
She said the effort reflects a broader commitment to improving educational outcomes and fostering a community where every child has the resources and encouragement to succeed.
In his key note address, Mr. Salihu Suleiman said with collective efforts, students will not just excel academically, but also grow into principled individuals who will contribute positively to society.
He maintained that the journey towards a more ethical and effective educational system may be challenging, but noted that it was one worth undertaking for the sake of the future of the children.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of scholarship awards to the winners of the primary, secondary and tertiary institution quiz competitions.
