Say no to cheating in Form Four exams

TODAY, the National Examination Council of Tanzania (NECTA) is beginning the Form Four exams across the country, a crucial step for students striving to secure a better future.

Unfortunately, in some cases, this important event is often overshadowed by reports of cheating and collusion, where some schools, parents, guardians and even other education stakeholders participate in or tolerate dishonest practices.

This undermines the credibility of the examination system and poses a serious threat to the integrity of our entire education sector.

Cheating not only distorts the academic achievements of students, but it also sets a dangerous precedent. When students, whose moral compasses are still developing, see adults—especially those meant to guide and support them—engaging in dishonest practices, they internalise that cheating is acceptable and, worse, that it is the path to success. Such a mindset damages young people’s moral development and hinders their growth into responsible, ethical citizens.

For schools, the priority should be education, not just passing exams. Instead of focusing solely on high pass rates or rankings, schools should reinforce values of integrity and hard work.

The pride of an institution should lie not in artificially inflated grades but in the genuine accomplishments of its students. Educational success is about building knowledge, skills and ethics that last a lifetime. By refusing to participate in exam malpractice, schools can send a powerful message that true achievement is honest achievement.

Parents and guardians are often motivated by good intentions—they want the best for their children. However, resorting to cheating to ensure good grades is a short-sighted approach that can harm their children in the long run.

True parental support means teaching children the importance of effort, resilience and ethical behaviour, even in high-stakes situations like exams.

When parents participate in or enable cheating, they rob their children of the opportunity to learn these invaluable lessons and to earn their achievements honestly.

Education stakeholders, including school administrators, policy-makers and teachers, bear a critical responsibility to uphold the standards of the examination system.

Their commitment to integrity is essential to ensure a level playing field where students’ results truly reflect their efforts and abilities.

Rather than seeking ways to game the system, stakeholders should collaborate to enforce rigorous standards, train teachers on ethical practices and create a culture that values honesty and fairness above all.

As the Form Four exams begin in Tanzania, let us all—schools, parents, guardians and stakeholders—stand united against cheating. This is a call to action to prioritise the long-term value of education over short-term gains.

By refusing to engage in or tolerate exam malpractice, we can uphold the integrity of Tanzania’s education system and foster a generation of young people who are not only knowledgeable but also morally grounded.