Combating malpractices with digital strategies in national business and technical certificate examinations

Abstract

The use of digital strategies to combat examination malpractices is a relatively new innovation.  NABTEB, in recent years, adopted digital measures as part of its vital role in enhancing quality assurance of its assessment as well as ensuring commitment to global best practices. Based on this premise, the Board put some necessary measures in place to mitigate cases of malpractice before, during and after examinations. Despite the noble idea of introducing digital strategies: Biometrics Registration, Electronic Processing of Results and Photo-Embossment on Certificates, perceived challenges persist and the effectiveness of the innovation remains uncertain. This study therefore, investigated the effectiveness of selected digital strategies in combating examination malpractices and challenges associated with the application. Four research questions guided the study. The study adopted ex-post facto design of descriptive survey, employing quantitative and qualitative approaches. The population comprised all the students who sat for 2005-2022 May/June National Business Certificate (NBC)/ National Technical Certificate (NTC) examinations and admission staff of tertiary institutions in Nigeria. The sample comprised all the confirmed cases of impersonation and double scripts submission in the years under review and 252 admissions staff of tertiary institutions were randomly selected. Two instruments were used: Reports on Examination Malpractice Cases and Questionnaire on Effectiveness of Photo-Embossment on Certificates to Curb Examination Malpractice (QEPECCEM) (Cronbach Alpha = 0.81). Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Findings revealed that the use of digital strategies has reduced the cases of impersonation and double scripts submission significantly. Non-verification of some candidates’ biometrics, among others, hindered the effective use of digital strategies.  More effective use of digital innovation in educational assessment was recommended among others.