FG begins nationwide crackdown on ‘miracle centres’ facilitating exam malpractice

By Kunle Sanni

The Federal Ministry of Education has launched a nationwide monitoring and evaluation campaign to eliminate ‘miracle centres’—schools notorious for facilitating exam malpractice.

As part of the initiative, officials conducted an on-the-spot assessment at Redeemer Teap International School in Abuja on Tuesday. The exercise aims to ensure schools adhere to ethical examination standards and maintain academic integrity.

Leading the assessment team, Rukayat Ibrahim, Deputy Director at the Federal Education Quality Assurance Service (FEQAS), stated in a report by PUNCH newspaper on Tuesday that the campaign is being conducted simultaneously across all states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“Unlike previous assessments that lasted two to three days, this new on-the-spot evaluation allows us to assess a school within three hours. This efficiency enables us to cover more schools and promptly report findings for swift action,” she explained.

The initiative follows a similar crackdown in 2007, which led to the blacklisting of schools involved in malpractice and the closure of numerous ‘miracle centres.’ The period between 2008 and 2010 is regarded as one of the most ethical examination eras in Nigeria.

Another official, Yinka Amodu, emphasized that the monitoring covers both private and public schools, including crèches and early childhood education centres.

“Back in 2007, our evaluations exposed ‘kangaroo schools’ operating without registration, employing unqualified teachers, and lacking proper infrastructure. Some functioned in unsafe, dilapidated buildings. Regular assessments help us identify such institutions and take necessary action,” he noted.

During the assessment, the Principal of Redeemer Teap International School, Oladimeji Yusuf, assured the officials that his school would address any areas needing improvement.