Exam malpractice: Bauchi State government to obtain printing machines
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State is taking a decisive step to combat exam malpractice with the procurement of Kord Printing and Polar Cutting Machines.
The State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Jamila Dahiru, who stated this during a press conference in Bauchi today, said the aims to tighten security and streamline the examination process within the state.
“This initiative will significantly enhance service delivery in conducting examinations.”
Dr. Dahiru declared this at a press conference in Bauchi. With these machines, the state’s Ministry of Education will now produce all its own exam materials in-house, including question papers, answer sheets, attendance sheets, and more.
“We now have complete control over examinations,” she emphasised.
“Leakages and other forms of malpractice will be a thing of the past.”
Previously, the state outsourced printing to external vendors, sometimes even outside Bauchi.
“This not only inflated costs but also introduced vulnerabilities. Bringing production in-house promises significant cost savings for the state.
She said the investment goes beyond the machines themselves; the state government has also provided training for the staff of the examination directorate, empowering them to operate the new equipment.
“These machines can print hundreds, even thousands, of papers within an hour, considerably lightening their workload.”
An additional benefit highlighted by the commissioner is a reduction in examination fees. Students who previously paid N1,500 for the Basic Education Certification Examination (BECE) will now see a revised fee of N1,000.
This initiative by the Bauchi State government demonstrates a strong commitment to safeguarding the integrity of its educational system and creating a more level playing field for students.
