The Nigerian House of Representatives’ latest proposal to impose stricter penalties on examination malpractices has sparked a wave of reactions from the public. The bill, which includes a five-year imprisonment or a N500,000 fine—or both—for individuals found guilty of leaking exam questions, has drawn both support and criticism across various quarters.
The legislation, titled “Examination Malpractices Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2025 (HB2097),” was introduced on March 6 by Esosa Iyawe, the representative of Oredo Federal Constituency. It is currently awaiting its second reading.
According to the bill’s explanatory note, it seeks to repeal the existing Examination Malpractice Act Cap. E15, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and enact a new version. This proposed law aims to broaden the scope of offences, incorporate non-custodial penalties where appropriate, and enforce more fitting punishments for violations.
The bill provides that minors convicted under its provisions would be handled in accordance with the Child Rights Act. Specifically, any individual who procures or attempts to procure examination papers—whether authentic or not—or uses a technological device during an examination commits an offence. If convicted, such a person could face a fine of N500,000 or a prison sentence of up to three years. For offenders under 18, the same penalties apply.
More severe consequences are outlined for education officials involved in malpractice. Principals, teachers, invigilators, supervisors, examiners, or staff of examination bodies found guilty could face up to four years in prison without the option of a fine.
Additionally, the bill proposes a N400,000 fine or four years’ imprisonment—or both—for any examiner who tampers with a student’s score without lawful reason or aids cheating. These provisions are aimed at curbing insider compromises during the grading process.
Section 4 of the bill targets candidates who attempt to cheat or gain unfair advantage by taking possession of another candidate’s question paper, answer sheet, or script. On conviction, such an individual would face up to three years in jail or a fine of N500,000—or both.
On impersonation, the bill stipulates a three-year prison sentence or N500,000 fine—or both—for candidates under 18. However, for educational officials complicit in impersonation, a four-year jail term with no option of fine applies.
Under Section 6, candidates who leave the examination venue to collude with others “with intent to cheat or secure any unfair advantage” risk a fine of at least N300,000, imprisonment not exceeding three years—or both. Additionally, such candidates would be barred from returning to complete the exam.
Section 6(2) and (3) further criminalizes anyone—regardless of involvement in exam administration—who communicates or attempts to communicate any information related to the test to a candidate with the intent to facilitate cheating. The punishment ranges from a fine of N500,000 to a maximum three-year prison term or both for minors. For exam officials, the law recommends a four-year jail sentence without the option of a fine.
Since the bill became public, reactions have been swift and varied.
Former APGA national chairman and legal practitioner, Chief Maxi Okwu, did not hold back in his criticism of the bill. He remarked, “I think those lawmakers are idle. There are more important issues to tackle.”
While Okwu made it clear that he does not endorse examination malpractice, he questioned the priority level of the issue, especially in a country facing rampant insecurity. He said: “It is not as if I am encouraging exams malpractice, but to me, it is not a priority matter. It is not a priority at all; look at kidnappers, bandits and terrorists that go away with mayhem; they don’t want to do anything about that, it is to go after school children who engage in what I may call some malfeasance.”
He acknowledged the need for deterrence but emphasized that existing penalties already address the issue. “There is already a punishment for exam malpractice. Increasing it may be useful later but for now, that is not a priority to me,” he added.
In a similar vein, lawyer and public affairs analyst Adekunle James questioned the moral authority of the lawmakers driving the bill. He pointedly accused some of them of being beneficiaries of fraudulent academic credentials.
He remarked: “So, for anybody to abandon all the problems that Nigerians are facing and be talking about a non-issue like exam malpractice is most unfortunate.”
James further queried the lawmakers’ focus, given the range of pressing issues confronting Nigerians. “Are the lawmakers not aware of what Nigerians are going through? Nigerians are being killed like chickens in their homes by bandits and terrorists; nowhere is safe; People can’t feed; they can’t afford ordinary medication for malaria; house rent is rising every year; transportation cost out of reach of so many Nigerians due to the removal of subsidy on petroleum products and some lawmakers are talking about examinations malpractice.”
He continued: “Are they supposed to be debating about examination malpractice in a country where people are not sure when death will come calling or where their next meal will come from? Are they not supposed to be making laws that will alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians and secure their lives from the criminal gangs in the name of bandits, terrorists and killer herdsmen?”
In conclusion, James described the lawmakers’ approach as disappointing. “Certain things are better left not discussed. These lawmakers will never cease to amuse us. So, of all the problems bedeviling us as a people, it is examination malpractice that they chose to single out and discuss?”
“This is a shame. My advice to them is to sit up and face their constitutional duty of ensuring that they make laws that will protect the lives and property of Nigerians, put food on their table and improve their general well-being,” he added.
