UNIJOS VC Discloses Over 200 Exam Cheating Cases in Single Semester

The University of Jos (UNIJOS) has reported more than 200 instances of examination malpractice within a single academic semester, according to the institution's Vice-Chancellor, Tanko Ishaya. He issued a strong caution to students, warning them against the use of Artificial Intelligence tools such as ChatGPT and other unauthorised gadgets during examinations.

Professor Ishaya made these revelations on Friday during a pivotal meeting held at the Faculty of Social Sciences. The gathering brought together students, staff, religious leaders, and community representatives to deliberate on critical issues concerning security and student welfare, particularly in the wake of the recent killing of former student, Ibrahim Mbaya.

The Vice-Chancellor also decried the increasing trend of mob justice, labelling it a perilous practice that must be eradicated. His condemnation followed the alleged lynching of Mbaya over a suspected phone theft. He further expressed concern over bystanders’ habit of recording violent incidents instead of alerting law enforcement, urging the university community to adopt a more proactive approach to security. "We are one big family. Your own brother is in trouble and the only thing you can do is record and post the video. That must change,” Ishaya stated.

Community leaders have committed to collaborating with the university to bolster security measures around the campus. Ishaya appealed to landlords and local residents to support efforts aimed at protecting students, stressing that this initiative is crucial given the escalating insecurity across Plateau State, which includes attacks on communities and educational institutions.

To enhance emergency response, Ishaya announced that all students would receive the official contact number of the university’s Chief Security Officer, along with emergency contacts for the Plateau State Police Command and other relevant security agencies. He also cautioned students against allowing ethnic or political differences to undermine the unity and harmony of the institution.

Regarding academic integrity, the Vice-Chancellor reiterated his warning against students bringing mobile phones into examination halls to access AI applications, including ChatGPT. “You will be caught,” he warned. He elaborated that the university processed over 200 cases of examination malpractice in the previous semester, with offenders facing penalties ranging from suspension to outright expulsion. Ishaya cited a poignant case where a final-year student, on track for a Second Class Upper degree, was expelled for examination malpractice, noting that the student’s father reportedly passed away while awaiting his son's graduation ceremony.

Additionally, the Vice-Chancellor disclosed that UNIJOS has established a task force dedicated to recovering outstanding school fees owed by students since 2022. Examination malpractice is defined as any dishonest or irregular act committed before, during, or after an examination that contravenes the rules governing that assessment, with the intention of gaining an unfair advantage or otherwise compromising the integrity of the evaluation process.