PUBLIC EXAMINATION IN NIGERIA: CONTEMPORARY ISSUES AND VALIDITY OF PUBLIC EXAMINATION SCORES IN THE 21ST CENTURY

Abstract

This paper x -rays’ public examination in Nigeria, its contemporary issues and validity of public examination scores in the 21^st century. Public examination is a necessary prerequisite for guaranteeing that uniform standard is maintained in the conduct of examination by various examination bodies. This paper argued that these exams have been subjected to abuses by exam bodies, school administrators, exam supervisors and invigilators, students and parents thereby corrupting the system and compromising the ideas of government and the society for such exams through direct or indirect involvement and abetting of exam malpractices. The remote and immediate causes of examination malpractices were discussed under the antecedent of examination malpractices. Impacts of examination malpractice on the validity of examination scores and its inherent dangers were unveiled. However, possible way out and solutions were suggested which include that government and stakeholders in education in Nigeria should deemphasize certificate and emphasis on learning for skills, criteria reference test should be introduced in place of norm reference test to eliminate grade consciousness and public examination fees should be subsidize if possible made free for all qualified citizens, among others.