Over 249, 000 Secondary and Primary school students throughout the country will be sitting for the annual national examinations in October, the number itself an increase in the number of last year's students sitting the examinations. The Secretary of Education, Dr. Uke Kombra in a recent press conference, stated that approximately 249, 189 students will be sitting for their exams nationwide. “This year we’ll be seeing 76, 571 Grade 10 students from 448 Secondary schools will start the examination season on October 9th; followed by 31, 252 Grade 12 students from 221 Secondary and High schools on October 16th and finally end with 141, 366 Grade 8 students from 3, 538 Primary schools.” “Additionally, there will be a separate exam for students taking STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) in which a total of 324 Grade 12 students will be sitting for at the end of all general exams.” 2023 saw an increase in both the number of students sitting for exams and the number of schools in the country. Last year, the number of students who sat for their examinations was approximately 71, 000 students from 213 schools (Grade 10); 31, 000 students from 218 High Schools and Secondary Schools (Grade 12); and 125, 000 students from 3, 433 Primary Schools (Grade 8). I response to educational malpractices Dr. Kombra responded, saying that the guilty parties will not receive certification. “The education policy is very clear, if a student is caught cheating or engaging in any form of malpractice, the ultimate penalty is non-certification.” “We do not compromise with any form of cheating or malpractice in the examination process. We have taken all measures possible to ensure that there is no misconduct.” “There have been cases of cheatings and malpractices which were prevented, but the potential and risks of it occurring again are still there. Our department is taking all precautions to make sure that it does not happen.” “Anyone witnessing incidences of cheating or malpractice, either by a student or from someone outside, should be reported to the authorities.” Dr. Kombra also added that presently, examination papers for Grade 10s have already arrived and are being distributed.