Uganda Business and Technical Examinations Board (UBTEB) has taken a strong stance against examination malpractice by implementing new guidelines aimed at curbing the vice.
Jalia Nassaza, the Manager of Vocational Education at UBTEB, has revealed that under the new guidelines, if a student is caught cheating on any paper, the results for the entire semester will be nullified. UBTEB conducts assessments every semester, so a student in a two-year diploma program would have to take four assessments before graduating.
In addition, Nassaza noted that the consequences for repeat offenders are even more severe. If a student is caught cheating for a second time, their results for the entire semester will once again be canceled. However, if they are caught for a third time, they will be blacklisted and banned from taking any Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses assessed by UBTEB.
The new guidelines are being introduced at a crucial time as over 25,000 learners pursuing various programs are scheduled to sit for their April/May exams. The students will take the exams from 257 centers across the country, with the exams starting on April 24th.
Onesmus Oyesigye, the UBTEB Executive Secretary, said these stringent measures are designed to deter cheating and ensure that students are properly evaluated based on their own abilities and knowledge. Oyesigye added that the new measures will not only prevent cheating during exams but also help safeguard the workforce.
Oyesigye stated that individuals who cheat their way through assessments are more likely to pose a significant danger in the workplace, as most of the programs are critical to the world of work.
This move by UBTEB signals a commitment to upholding academic integrity and ensuring that graduates are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their respective fields. It also serves as a warning to students and educators that malpractice will not be tolerated, and that stringent measures will be taken to maintain the integrity of the education system.
