By Peace Udugba -The daily torch media
A wave of reactions has trailed reports that some secondary school officials allegedly destroyed mobile phones confiscated from candidates during examinations conducted by the West African Examinations Council.
The reports, which have circulated across social media platforms, claim that invigilators in certain schools went beyond standard disciplinary measures by damaging or destroying phones seized from students found in possession of the devices during exams.
Mobile phones are strictly prohibited in examination halls under WAEC regulations, with candidates liable to sanctions, including disqualification, if caught with such items. Invigilators are empowered to confiscate banned materials and report offenders for further disciplinary action.
However, the alleged destruction of confiscated phones has sparked widespread debate among parents, students, and education stakeholders, many of whom argue that such actions may be excessive and potentially unlawful.
Critics contend that while preventing examination malpractice is essential, destroying personal property goes beyond acceptable disciplinary limits. They argue that confiscation, reporting, and appropriate sanctions from examination bodies should suffice in addressing violations.
“There must be discipline, but it should not cross into destruction of students’ property,” a concerned parent said, calling for clearer guidelines on how schools handle such incidents.
Others, however, believe strict measures could serve as a deterrent to examination malpractice, which remains a major challenge in the education sector.
As of now, there has been no official confirmation from WAEC endorsing the destruction of confiscated phones as part of its examination enforcement procedures. Stakeholders have called for clarification from relevant authorities to prevent abuse and ensure that disciplinary actions remain fair and within legal boundaries.
The development highlights the ongoing tension between enforcing exam integrity and protecting students’ rights, as authorities continue to seek effective ways to curb malpractice without overstepping legal and ethical limits.
