The Makarios Initiative for Health and Humanitarian Development, a non-governmental organisation, has launched a campaign to curb examination malpractice in schools through advocacy and storytelling. The initiative was unveiled on Thursday in Lagos as part of activities to commemorate the 2025 International Day of the African Child (IDAC).
At the centre of the campaign is a book titled “Kika’s Examination, A True Life Story”, authored by the NGO’s co-founder, Mrs Lauretta Patrick-Nwachi. She explained that the book was inspired by her daughter’s experience during a Common Entrance Examination, where she encountered examination malpractice.
“I realised that there is so much decadence in academia, and I knew that, yes, there is something I can do as a parent,” Patrick-Nwachi said.
“So, for this particular day, we are trying to celebrate the children, to tell them they are special children everywhere. They don’t have to line up to tell us, like they did in Soweto in 1976, that there is poor quality education.”
She added that her experience visiting public schools had reinforced her belief that society must act collectively to restore educational standards.
“If you visit the schools, especially the public schools, you will know that there is a lot we can do for our society to actually change this.
“Like I said, government has a lot they are doing. All I am doing is what I can do as an individual.”
Patrick-Nwachi stressed that examination malpractice amounts to educational corruption, one that should not be normalised.
“Why would there be exam malpractice in our schools? This is corruption in our schools, and we can do something about it. I didn’t go to school this way.
“If I didn’t go to school this way and I turned out the way I am, we will not allow our children to go to school this way.”
Also speaking at the event, Dr Patrick Nwachi, co-founder of the Makarios Initiative, highlighted the importance of instilling resilience and moral values in children. He noted that the 2025 IDAC theme “Planning and Budgeting for Children’s Rights: Progress Since 2010” served as a reminder for families and governments to invest in quality education.
“We are encouraging children that they can do without examination malpractice, because such affects the child’s psychology and it makes their future dull,” he said.
Dr Nwachi explained that the book aims to teach children about academic integrity and moral courage, positioning it as a tool for long-term behavioural change.
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Delivering the keynote address, Dr Cosmas Maduka, Founder of Coscharis Group, encouraged young people to embrace education as a lifelong pursuit and focus on discipline and personal growth.
“So, this is the time to determine: where do you want to see yourself? Visualise yourself 10 years from now, 20 years from now. What plans do you have for it? How intentional are you towards those goals?”
“I stand here to testify to you that there is no goal that is too extreme, no mountain too high, no dream unachievable. It all depends on your determination and your willingness to succeed,” he said.
The launch event brought together educators, students, parents, and stakeholders in education and child development, with many praising the initiative as timely and impactful in the fight against educational decline.
