The Ministry of Education in Fiji has reported alarming incidents of exam malpractice involving students from some of the country’s top schools. A total of seven cases emerged during the 2024 Year 12 examinations, primarily within technical subjects. According to Sereseini Lesi, Acting Director of Examinations and Assessment, students were found using various unauthorized aids, including handwritten notes, printed materials, textbook excerpts, and electronic devices such as smartwatches and mobile phones.
The 2017 Examination Policy mandates a zero score for any subject involved in malpractice. However, Lesi notes a trend of leniency, where instead of receiving a zero, some students had their marks reduced. Most cases were identified by chief supervisors, including an instance where a student was caught copying from a textbook.
Lesi stressed the critical role of school leaders and examination coordinators to ensure compliance with examination protocols. As national exams approach, she has called on principals to enhance supervision efforts and support chief supervisors in enforcing regulations. To bolster accountability, the examination office intends to require chief supervisors to provide confidential reports detailing their duties during the exams.
Moreover, Lesi warned against unauthorized barring of students from national exams by school heads, emphasizing adherence to existing policies on eligibility and exceptions to ensure students are not unjustly deprived of opportunities.
This situation aligns with ongoing debates about the education system in Fiji, which faces challenges such as inadequate exam preparation, debatable promotion policies, and an unstable curriculum. Concerns over declining educational standards underscore the need for stricter examination protocols and improved collaboration between educators, parents, and government officials. By addressing these issues, there is potential for significant reforms and improvements in Fiji’s educational landscape.