The House of Representatives has proposed stringent penalties for individuals convicted of examination malpractices in Nigeria, including a five-year jail term or a ₦500,000 fine, or both, for anyone found guilty of leaking examination questions. The bill, titled the “Examination Malpractices Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2025 (HB2097),” was introduced by Esosa Iyawe, the representative for Oredo Federal Constituency, on March 6, and is currently awaiting its second reading.
The bill seeks to repeal the 2004 Examination Malpractice Act and replace it with the new 2025 Act, which aims to expand offenses related to examination malpractices and impose appropriate penalties. It also proposes non-custodial penalties and ensures minors are treated in line with the Child Rights Act
Under the proposed law, individuals found guilty of procuring examination question papers or using technological devices to cheat will face up to three years in prison or a fine of ₦500,000, or both, for those under 18 years old. For adults involved in such offenses, including teachers, invigilators, and examination body staff, the penalty would be a four-year jail term without an option for a fine.
The bill also targets individuals who tamper with or alter examination results, proposing penalties of up to four years imprisonment or a fine of ₦400,000. Similarly, candidates who steal or manipulate examination materials, such as question papers or answer sheets, could face fines of ₦500,000 or imprisonment for up to three years.
Impersonation during examinations would also be punishable with a fine of ₦500,000 or up to three years in prison, with stricter penalties for those involved in the examination’s conduct, such as teachers or invigilators, who could face up to four years in prison without the option of a fine.
Additionally, the bill outlines penalties for individuals who assist candidates in cheating during examinations, including those who communicate exam information or are found near examination venues attempting to aid cheating. Those found guilty would face fines of ₦500,000 or imprisonment for up to three years, with more severe penalties for invigilators, teachers, or staff involved in the examination process.
If passed, this bill would significantly tighten the laws surrounding examination integrity and strengthen the fight against malpractice in Nigeria’s educational system.
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