As the National Examination Council (NECO) conducts its nationwide senior school certificate examinations, the Oyo State Government has issued a stern warning to students across the state to abstain from all forms of examination malpractice.

The warning was issued by the Chairman of the Oyo State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Mrs. Oladipo Olubukola, during an official monitoring tour of selected public secondary schools across various educational zones in the state on Wednesday and Thursday.

Speaking during the exercise, which covered key schools such as Ibadan Grammar School, St. Anne’s School, Olubi Memorial Grammar School, and Saint Luke’s College, Ibadan, the TESCOM Chairman emphasized the government’s commitment to maintaining high standards in the state’s education sector.

Representing Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration, Mrs. Olubukola warned that examination malpractice will not be tolerated in any form, stating that such practices undermine the value of education and pose a threat to the future of students involved.

She said, “The Oyo State Government has zero tolerance for examination malpractice. Governor Makinde’s administration is committed to building a system of academic integrity, and we are prepared to take appropriate disciplinary actions against anyone found sabotaging that effort — be it students or educators.”

She urged students to study diligently and uphold ethical conduct, noting that genuine success is achieved through hard work and consistency rather than shortcuts or dishonest practices.

“I want to advise our students to stay focused and dedicate themselves to their academic pursuits. Malpractice might appear to offer short-term gains, but it ultimately robs students of the opportunity to grow, compete, and excel on their own merit,” she added.

Addressing teachers and school administrators, the TESCOM boss urged them to serve as role models by guiding students through the right channels and discouraging any actions that could bring disrepute to the education sector.

Mrs. Olubukola also explained that the monitoring exercise was aimed not only at preventing malpractice but also at assessing the conditions under which the examinations were being held and identifying areas that may require government intervention.

She assured that the Makinde-led administration remains committed to enhancing teaching and learning environments, ensuring the safety of students, and providing the necessary resources for schools to thrive.

“This monitoring is not about policing. It’s about support. It’s about making sure that every child sitting for these examinations feels safe, prepared, and proud of the system they belong to. We are here to encourage excellence and accountability.”

In response to the visit, the Principal of Ibadan Grammar School, Mr. Ogunleye Biodun, expressed gratitude to the state government for prioritising education and creating a culture of accountability and growth in public schools.

“This kind of oversight is refreshing. It shows that the government truly cares about education and the future of our students. The governor has not only invested in infrastructure but also in the human side of education — and that is commendable,” he said.

Other school officials at the visited centres also echoed similar sentiments, describing the government’s commitment to academic integrity as timely and crucial, especially in an era when cheating in exams continues to threaten the credibility of national assessments.

The NECO examination, which began recently across the country, is a key assessment for students seeking to gain entry into tertiary institutions. The outcome of the exams often plays a pivotal role in determining the academic progression and career paths of thousands of young Nigerians.

As such, education stakeholders in Oyo State have described the state government’s hands-on approach as a necessary measure to safeguard the future of its youth population and uphold the sanctity of Nigeria’s educational system.

The government’s message to students is clear: uphold integrity, avoid shortcuts, and embrace hard work as the only reliable path to academic and personal success.

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