Fawaz Adebisi
As Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, MAPOLY, prepares for its semester examinations, the management has issued a stern reminder to students: refusal to comply with examination procedures will attract the highest penalty, expulsion.
In the past few years, students have been seen arguing with invigilators and refusing to fill a statement form when accused of being involved in malpractice as they feel that’s the end of their career.
But, according to the Polytechnic’s Guidelines for Treating Examination Misconduct, any candidate apprehended for malpractice must immediately write and sign a statement describing the incident. “Refusal by any student to make a written statement shall attract expulsion of such student from the Polytechnic,” the regulation states.
In the school’s handbook, where all these rules can be found in, it was explained that invigilators are empowered to demand the statement on the spot and forward it, alongside their own report, to the Examination Misconduct Committee through the zone supervisor while the committee, guided by Section 30 of the MAPOLY Edict of 1999, determines the punishment.
The rules cover a wide range of offences. Carrying jotted notes, scribbles, or chips into the hall, including “writing on palm or other places,” attracts suspension for four semesters.
In the same vein, students caught copying, exchanging sheets, or spying on another candidate’s work face suspension for two semesters.
Other serious breaches carry heavier sanctions. “Destruction of evidence — offenders shall be expelled from the Polytechnic,” the guideline reads. Impersonation during examinations, assault on an invigilator, membership of secret cults, and refusal to submit answer scripts also all result in outright expulsion.
In addition, the use of gadgets is strictly banned. “Coming to examination hall with mobile phone(s), programmable calculator or organizer — offenders shall be suspended for two semesters,” the rules specify.
Giving his comment, the Director of Students’ Affairs, DSA, David Aninkan added that putting on immoral clothes could also attract sanctions.
“Ear rings (for males), short clothes, or wearing customized outfits to the exam hall shall attract suspension,” the Directorate stated, quoting the school’s rules.
Therefore, students are advised to fill the form whenever asked so as to be given fair judgement. He added that the statement provided by the student will be used by the committee to give fair hearing.
Students should also refer to their handbook to get other vital rules so as to not violate them.
With exams fast approaching, the message from MAPOLY management is unambiguous: follow the rules, obey instructions, and avoid shortcuts — or risk suspension, rustication, or outright expulsion.