The Increased cases of examination malpractice in Vocational and Technical institutes have been attributed to poor payment of teachers. This is according to a report by the Uganda Business and Technical Examinations Board (UBTEB).
While disseminating the findings to principals and academic registrars of Institutes from South Western Ankole, at Nyamitanga Techincal Institute in Mbarara city, the Deputy Executive Secretary of UBTEB, Dr. Wilfred Nahamya, said that research was conducted after the examination series that was done in April/May and July/August.
He said the objectives of the research were to determine the causes of malpractices, asses whether teachers’ working conditions proliferate with examination malpractices, examine whether the examinations environment and corrupt tendencies fuel malpractice, and also assess the effectiveness of penalties administered by the board in combating examinations malpractices.
Nahamya said the research listed 19 factors that need to be addressed but the two major factors that were singled out were poor teacher salaries and financial rewards to teachers for high-performing students from both parents and institutes.
He said other factors included indiscipline, insufficient preparations, poor study habits, lack of effective supervision by invigilators, insufficient teacher preparations, inadequate examination facilities that lead to crowded exam halls, and sexual favors among others.
Nahamya, however, the respondents who included students, teachers, parents, guardians, and other stakeholders said that they want the penalties for exam malpractice to include the cancellation of the results of a student for the entire semester but also institute an investigation committee.
Prof Mauda Kamatenesi Mugisha, the Vice Chairperson of the UBTEB Board said the board sanctioned the research to curb malpractice and ensure that only qualified students are enrolled for jobs.
Oukunda Serepio, the Principal of Rukuli Pro-Technic Institute in Sembabule district, urged the government to increase vigilance during the examination period.
–URN
