Ever heard of Lariken International College, Ologuneru, Ibadan, Oyo State? It is a secondary school, where students are not allowed to be involved in examination malpractice, during internal and external examinations.
But the questions agitating the minds of critical stakeholders include: Is it possible to have such school nowadays when some parents have been and still being involved in making things up for their children? How can a private school discourage cheating in examinations when it needs the high rate of pass, especially in external examinations, to boost the image of the school? If it is true, how has the school been doing that? What is the pass rate of its students presented for external examinations, especially those being conducted by the West African Examination Council (WAEC), National Examination Council (NECO), and Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB)?
The above questions and lofty information about this college made some journalists to investigate the stance of the Lariken International College against examination malpractice. One of the journalists that sent their children to the college is Chief Ademola Babalola, the incumbent Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council.
However, the reports from the children indeed confirmed the stance of the college against examination malpractice.
Adam Babalola, first son of the NUJ chairman and Hajara Babalola, said the school has been exerting energies on adequate preparation ahead of every examination, and would never create an avenue for students to cheat.
Adam Babalola, alongside others graduated from the college with colours, and with the Class of 2023, who did their valedictory service and prize-giving ceremony on Friday August 25, 2023, which coincided with the 13th graduation programme of the college.
Adam said: “There is no way you can cheat in Lariken International College. In the examination hall, the candidates that would sit by your right and left, in front and your back during school’s internal examination would not be your classmates as we always have mixture of all category of classes to avoid malpractice or side talk during examinations. So, there would be no opportunity to cheat. And our WAEC and other external examinations are exemplary and worthy of emulation by other schools. You are always on your own because the school does not give room for students to converse or cheat during examinations.
“Many invigilators and external examiners posted to our school would tell you that Lariken International College has zero tolerance for cheating and other form of examination malpractices.
“I must say this for the records. The school runs both day and boarding facilities. But once you move from SSII to SSIII, it was made compulsory for everybody to become a boarding student. It is a tradition that when you get to SSIII, you must stay in the school for intense training and preparation ahead of Senior School Certificate Examination, and Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
“The preparation would take place during the day and at night. The school would even organise refreshments for us at night for us to be comfortable to learn. It was a nice experience for me at Lariken International College.”
The best graduating student in the 2023 Set, Josiah Destiny Samuel, received 16 different awards at the college. He emerged best student in Mathematics, English Language, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Economics, Agricultural Science, and even in JAMB.
He scored 337 in UTME. Among the 66 students presented for the 2023 UTME by the college, 12 scored above 300, making the college one of the topmost and best schools in the state to post such results this year and as usual of its graduating students.
In the farewell speech, presented by Josiah Destiny Samuel, the Senior Prefect (Boy), on behalf of others students, he said: “With a heart full of praise and gratitude, we stand here to return all thanksgiving to God for taking us through this college for six years. Just like yesterday, most of us came as young boys and girls to write our common entrance to the college with our parents. We were very anxious to get our school uniforms and secure a seat in class just to be called a college student.
“Here we are today ready to bid the same college farewell but not like the same toddlers that we were but as refined teenagers with great visions for tomorrow, ready to start another journey that will bring us closer to our dreams and aspirations. We stand here facing the future.
“To our director, your vision to set up a school of great standard in a bid to redefine and set the pace for quality education in Oyo and Nigeria is divine. You have done this not because you desire to make money, but to mould great destinies and above all, to rescue and secure a promising future for all students that pass through this great citadel of learning.
“We will sure miss both your Mathematics and Chemistry classes, your precious time, when you expose us to life realities, the time you come to our services at the chapel and even do vigils with us, the time you eat with us in the dining hall, the time you scold and serve us the right punishments.”
In his address, the Director of the College, Engr. Idowu Jiboku, who holds B.Sc in Chemical Engineering, M.Sc in Petroleum Engineering, and MMP in Psychology, said: “Lariken International College is an exceptional institution, where dreams are nurtured, aspirations take flight, and lifelong bonds are forged. Last year, there was a national outcry about low scores in UTME. Still, our very own Agbedetse Omagbitse was able to pull in 320 as the highest score for the school. She was closely trailed with some who scored 300 plus, and lots of 290s.
“This year, however, we have an exceptional and unprecedented scenario. Unlike before where only one student had the highest score per set, three of our graduating students had an impressive 337 out of 400. They are Josiah Destiny Samuel, Lawal Olamide Esther, and Iyin Olumide. Many others followed suit, with scores in the 300s, 290s, and upper quadrant 200s. These achievements not only reflect the dedication and diligence of our students, but also the unwavering commitment of our dedicated educators and the unwavering support of our parents.
“Our students’ success was equally evident in the West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination
(WASSCE), with outstanding results across various subjects. These accomplishments are a testament to our commitment to academic excellence and integrity, without resorting to examination malpractice.
“Here is the breakdown. English Language 100%; Mathematics 94%; Further Mathematics 87%; Chemistry 100%; Physics 100%: Biology 100%; Agricultural Science 100%; Civic Education 100%; Economics 92%;
Geography 100%; CRS 100%; Government 100%; Literature 100%; Financial Accounting 100%; Commerce 63%; Technical Drawing 100%; Yoruba 100%; GSM 83%; French 38%; Catering 56%; Data Processing 100%; Cosmetology 95%; Computer Studies 100%; Photography 92%; Visual Art 100%. If you ask me, not many schools can pull off this amazing feat in the absence of examination malpractice.”
The graduation ceremony which was chaired by the Vice Chancellor, Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Prof Odunayo Adebooye, also had in attendance, the Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof Olusola Kehinde, who is the Chairman, Governing Board of Lariken International College. They both charged the graduates of the college to key into the advancement in technologies and leverage on the same to solve challenges of the world.
The Chairman of NUJ in the state, Chief Ademola Babalola, also remarked: “This is a very good school. I recommend it to all and sundry. I can confirm that the school does not condone indiscipline and examination malpractice, yet its students have best of results in West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE), and UTME.
“We need more schools like this. Those schools out there like Lariken International College, should keep up the good work. All of us need to raise next generations of honest, brilliant, idealistic, hardworking, and God-fearing leaders.”
Packaged by Oludotun Ajibola
