Otitoju Femi
The Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), has recorded a major academic milestone with the successful hosting of its maiden “Capacity Building Workshop/Training for Staff on Conduct During Examination Invigilation.”
The training, which took place at the Faculty’s Boardroom, was designed to strengthen academic integrity and standardize best practices in examination administration.
Why was the workshop necessary? What informed the faculty’s decision to organize the training at this time? And how can proper invigilation safeguard credibility of university examinations?
These among many questions formed the fulcrum of the capacity workshop which was well attended and highly engaging exercise.
Dean of the Faculty, Rev. Sister. Prof. Chika Asogwa, in a welcome address described the workshop as timely and strategic as she explained that recent examination experienced within the faculty underscored the need for retraining and re-orientation of staff on examination ethics and procedures.
According to her, the gathering was not accidental but a response to real issues that demanded professional attention.
She, applauded resource persons for honouring the faculty’s invitation while commending Deputy Dean for his tireless efforts toward the success of the programme.
Prof. Asogwa said: “Your presence here without prior knowledge of what to expect simply means you are ready to be trained.”
Meanwhile, first guest lecturer, Prof. Garage Ezeah, delivered a thought provoking presentation titled “Rules Guiding the Conduct of Examination,” emphasizing that examinations were a sensitive and critical component of the university system which must be handled with utmost seriousness and integrity.
Drawing from practices at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof. Ezeah explained that examination rules were usually determined by the University Senate, the highest academic policy-making body.
He, however, highlighted key areas such as eligibility requirements for students, setting and moderation of examination questions, appointment of internal and external examiners, marking procedures, and approval of results through departmental boards, faculty boards, and ultimately the Senate.
Also, Prof. Ezeah stressed that invigilators must be firm, punctual, impartial, and vigilant as they were to prevent impersonation, ensure students possess valid identity cards, stop the use of illegal materials, monitor candidates throughout the examination, and ensure proper submission and counting of scripts at the end of the exercise.
Prof. Ezeah specifically drew attention to dangerous trends in examination malpractices, including leakage of question papers, impersonation, result falsification, lobbying for grades, and the so called “let my people go” syndrome where failure was unofficially discouraged, warning that such practices undermined hardworking students and eroded academic standards.
He concluded by reminding participants that examination rules were hallmarks of institutional quality and urged lecturers and invigilators to model integrity, honesty, and fairness in all examination related duties.
Another highlight of the workshop was the presentation by Dr. Michael Aleyomi of the Department of Political Science, FUOYE, who spoke on distinction between Chief Examiners and Examination Supervisors.
He explained that while chief examiners are responsible for pre-examination activities such as setting, reviewing, moderating, and securing examination questions, supervisors ensure compliance with examination regulations during the conduct of exams.
He outlined post- examination responsibilities, including proper marking, grading, review of results, record keeping, and collaboration with other examiners to maintain academic excellence.
Also, a sabbatical lecturer from the University of Ilorin, Prof. Adesina Lukuman Azeez, delivered an extensive session on handling student misdemeanors and missing examination scripts. Describing examination as the bedrock of the university system, he emphasized that its sanctity must be protected through strict adherence to regulations.
Prof. Azeez provided practical guidance on invigilators’ duties before, during, and after examinations, highlighting the dos and don’ts of invigilation. He cautioned against public embarrassment of students, negligence of misconduct, or unprofessional behavior by invigilators. He also outlined clear procedures for handling examination malpractices and reporting missing scripts in a calm, firm, and professional manner.
Also speaking at the training, the Director of FUOYE Quality Assurance, Prof. Adekoya, underscored the responsibilities of Chief Invigilators, particularly in managing multiple examination venues, appointing coordinators, accounting for examination materials, and ensuring timely submission of malpractice reports.
She stressed that examination materials must be properly collated and returned, and that students who arrive late should not be allowed to sign the attendance register.
Similarly, Prof. Akinsaya reiterated that all invigilators must report early, remain alert throughout the examination, and ensure students sign in and out appropriately to prevent irregularities.
A Step Toward Stronger Academic Standards
The maiden capacity building workshop raised critical questions: How can universities sustain examination integrity in the face of growing challenges? What responsibilities must academic staff embrace to protect institutional credibility? And how can continuous training enhance professionalism in examination administration?
By addressing these concerns, the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, FUOYE, has taken a bold and commendable step toward strengthening academic standards and reinforcing a culture of integrity within the university system.
