Director of Academic Affairs at the University of Ghana, Lydia Anowa Nyarko-Danquah, has described the significant rise in sophisticated cheating methods employed by students as deeply troubling, warning that it poses a serious threat to the university’s reputation and the credibility of its academic qualifications.
This comes in the wake of the recent publication of sanctions against students involved in examination malpractices.
Speaking on Campus Exclusive on Radio Univers, Mrs. Nyarko-Danquah emphasised how students have become increasingly inventive in their cheating methods.
“We used to have higher numbers in the past, but between 2013 and 2015, it reduced. However, statistics from the past few years show an advancement in the capability to cheat. Students have become more creative, and the evidence we found during our investigations was quite interesting,” she revealed.
The director explained that the university has been compelled to publish the names of students sanctioned for academic offences in accordance with its regulations. She said the decision is intended to serve as a deterrent to other students who may consider engaging in examination malpractice.
She also stressed that all allegations of misconduct undergo rigorous investigation.
“For years, we did not implement the publication of sanctioned students because we had confidence in our students to do the right thing. But given the trend, it has become necessary,” she stated.
“The university conducts thorough investigations into all complaints reported by exam officials. Students are given a fair hearing before any sanctions are imposed,” she added.
The director expressed concern about the long-term impact of academic dishonesty, noting that it threatens the credibility of degrees awarded by the university.
“When you go out there looking for a job and your certificate is not respected because people know that students in your university cheat, it goes against you. We are the premier university, and we must uphold and maintain our integrity and respect,” she said.
She concluded by assuring students that the university’s counselling centre is available to offer support to those affected, and the academic affairs directorate remains open to receiving appeals from students who wish to challenge disciplinary decisions.
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Story by: Sophia Okang| univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by: Cindy Selasi Humade
