Tutorial Centre Operators Seek Government Collaboration to Combat Examination Malpractice
The Association of Tutorial School Operators has called on both federal and state governments to work closely with registered tutorial centres in a bid to stem rising cases of examination malpractice in national and state exams. The appeal was made by the newly elected Ondo State chairman of the association, Mr. Femi Makinwa, following the inauguration of the state executive in Akure on Tuesday.
Makinwa stressed that registered and legitimate tutorial centres are committed to providing quality teaching and preparing students to succeed honestly in examinations such as the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) and the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). He denied allegations that tutorial centres are facilitating malpractice, instead attributing such activities to illegal, unregistered centres operating outside the association’s oversight.
The association leader said a collaborative approach with government authorities would help effectively identify and sanction culprits and promote ethical practices in the education sector. He promised that the association would offer constructive suggestions and work with policymakers to formulate sustainable solutions against malpractice.
Makinwa also pledged to improve the image of tutorial centres, strengthen engagement with education stakeholders, and ensure that members uphold the highest standards of teaching. His remarks highlighted a desire among legitimate operators to be recognised as partners in educational reform, rather than being unfairly associated with unprofessional conduct.
Another member of the association, Michael Williams, who stepped down in the recent leadership contest to promote unity, urged the Ondo State Government to involve tutorial centre representatives in education policy development. He said that including the association in decision-making would help align efforts to eliminate malpractice and enhance overall educational outcomes.
The new executive council includes officials such as Mr. Samuel Ologun as Deputy Governor and Mr. Adeniyi Bankole as General Secretary, among others, who are expected to work with Makinwa in advancing the association’s objectives.
Background Context: The push to combat exam malpractice comes amid broader national efforts to strengthen exam integrity, including stricter sanctions and blacklisting of offenders by federal authorities and examination bodies.