…Tightens digital exam integrity, rolls out new campus security measures
By Kingsley Samuel
The University of Jos, UNIJOS, has warned students against using Artificial Intelligence, AI, tools such as ChatGPT and other digital devices to cheat during examinations after recording more than 200 cases of examination malpractice in a single academic semester.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, issued the warning on Friday during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Faculty of Social Sciences, saying the rise in AI-enabled cheating is forcing universities to strengthen measures to protect the integrity of examinations and academic certificates.
He cautioned students against bringing mobile phones into examination halls to access AI applications, stressing that offenders would be detected and sanctioned.
“You will be caught,” Ishaya warned, adding that penalties for examination malpractice range from suspension to outright expulsion.
According to him, the university recorded over 200 malpractice cases in the last semester, including that of a final-year student with a Second Class Upper degree who was expelled after being found guilty of examination malpractice.
The Vice-Chancellor said the institution would continue to tighten examination monitoring as AI tools become more accessible, noting that technology must support learning rather than undermine academic integrity.
Beyond examination security, Ishaya announced new technology-driven measures to improve campus safety following the recent lynching of a former student, Ibrahim Mbaya, over an alleged phone theft.
He said every student would receive the official telephone number of the University’s Chief Security Officer, alongside emergency contact numbers of the Plateau State Police Command and other security agencies to enable faster reporting of security incidents.
Lamenting the growing trend of people recording violent incidents instead of reporting them, he urged members of the university community to embrace a “see something, say something” culture.
The Vice-Chancellor also disclosed that community leaders around the university had agreed to work with the institution to improve security for students.
He further announced the constitution of a task force to recover outstanding school fees dating back to 2022, warning that students who fail to settle their fees would not be allowed to sit for examinations.
Ishaya also revealed that an investigation into hostel operations showed that more than 80 per cent of the university’s electricity bill comes from student hostels, with about 99 per cent of hostel residents allegedly using hot plates in violation of hostel regulations.
The university said enforcement of regulations on examination conduct, payment of school charges and hostel occupancy would commence immediately.
