USAID/Guinea: National Exam Reforms Root Out Cheating, Corruption

AUGUST 9, 2007

National Exam Reforms
Root Out Cheating, Corruption

A USAID/Guinea-sponsored workshop promulgates new rules for national exams.

New standards implemented for Guinean students taking high-school and junior high graduation exams over the past two weeks appear to have resulted in a major decrease in incidents of cheating and fraud, according to observers.

The standards were promulgated by the new Minister of Education, Elhadj Ousmane Souaré, following a USAID-sponsored workshop held in Mamou in June.

An estimated 400,000 students nationwide, including 45,000 students completing high school, will receive the results of their exams when grading is complete. In years past the test results have been broadcast on Guinean radio, but this year the government is considering notifying students through the internet.

Souaré made a strong commitment to fighting and eradicating fraud and corruption in the education sector after he was appointed minister in March 2007 by Prime Minister Lansana Kouyaté.

Fraud of several varieties has been a big issue during national exams. In the past students shared answers, peeked at notes and even called others on their cellphones during the examination. Failing students often bribed graders to alter their test results to obtain the diploma or certificate necessary for advancement.

USAID/Guinea provided direct monetary and logistical support for the three-day workshop, which was attended by national, regional and prefectoral education directors, civil society organization representatives including Parents and Teachers Association members, political leaders, prefectoral and regional authority representatives, and the media.

The workshop made useful and strong recommendation countering students, teachers and education officers who commit fraud during the tests or during exam grading. Local and national media publicized the workshop and its recommendations.

Among the changes this year: Exam centers for both the brevet (junior high school) and baccalaureate (high school) exam reportedly were quiet and free of intrusions. Only candidate students, exam proctors and official visitors were allowed in the testing rooms. Students were seated with required distance between desks and no more than 30 students were allowed in a single classroom.

Despite these measures, there were reports that some students taking the baccalaureate exam attempted to refer to lesson notes. Unlike the past, when such cheaters were disqualified only from the specific exam on which they were caught cheating, the offending test takers now are summarily dismissed from the exam.

In one case in Coyah, a student who passed the exam last year was caught taking the test for another student. As it happens, the discovery coincided with a visit by the Minister of Education and the Minister of Justice. Both students were sentenced to jail time and fines.

Now all eyes are turning to the exam-grading process. It is reported that thousands of blank copies have been turned in by candidates who were unable to write responses to exam questions. Exam results are expected in two or three weeks for baccalaureate candidates and within two months for other students.

An Education Ministry said Souaré, who considers combating exam fraud and corruption a main objective, soon will appoint a commission to study the new exam ground rules and recommend additional measures to combat fraud in national exams.

Story by Ahmed Tidiane Diallo and Richard Stirba