In a recent development, the Yendi Nursing Training College of Health Science has taken strict action against 20 students, including two lecturers, for their alleged involvement in exam malpractices. The disciplinary measures were implemented after several instances came to light, such as students being found in possession of phones, leaflets, and other unauthorized materials within the examination halls. Additionally, some individuals were found to have utilized social media platforms to disseminate leaked examination questions ahead of the scheduled exams.
This incident has left many students at the institution shocked and dismayed, as it marks the first occurrence of such a devastating event in the college. The affected students are primarily from the first year, known as level 100.
The penalties imposed on the students vary depending on the severity of their actions. Those found to have shared leaked exam questions late were given a suspension period of two months, while those caught red-handed with unauthorized materials face a suspension period of one year. Furthermore, the lecturers who were responsible for invigilating the exams and were found to be complicit have been expelled from the school.
On June 8, 2023, Hypemdiagh visited the college and spoke to some of the victims to verify the incident. One student, who preferred to remain anonymous, expressed their disappointment, stating that they were not involved in any form of exam malpractice. They claimed that they had never been caught with any unauthorized materials. The student explained that prior to the semester exams, they shared what they believed to be tips based on previous exam questions on the department’s WhatsApp platform. Unfortunately, some of these tips coincidentally matched the actual exam questions, which led to their suspension for a period of two months.
The student mentioned that such practices of sharing tips derived from past exam questions were common during exam periods. They emphasized that they had no idea that the shared question would be identical to the one in the semester exams. It was a genuine mistake on their part.
Another victim empathetically shared their experience, revealing that they had also received a two-month suspension and were making arrangements to return home. They mentioned that some of the other affected students had already left the campus immediately upon receiving their dismissal letters. Seeing their name on the notice board filled them with sadness, but they have come to accept the situation as an unfortunate reality they cannot change.
As for the students who were caught smuggling unauthorized materials into the exam hall, they have been suspended from the Registered Nurse Assistant Clinical (RNAC) program for a full academic year, effective from June 5, 2023. Those who dishonestly received and spread leaked exam questions through WhatsApp platforms have been issued a letter of external suspension for four weeks, effective from June 5, 2023. They will also face an internal suspension for another four weeks, which will commence during the first semester of the following year. Additionally, these students are required to sign a bond of good behavior.
