Maneb tightens security for MSCE examinations

The Malawi National Examinations Board (Maneb) has said it has tightened security during this year’s Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) examinations to prevent cases of leakage or cheating from taking place.

Last year’s MSCE examinations were marred by leakages, leading to the arrest of eight students who were found in possession of prepared answers which matched the question papers they were sitting for.

But in an interview on Thursday, Maneb spokesperson Simeon Maganga said the examination body has tightened security in all centres where examinations are being administered to avoid any occurrences of cheating or leakage.

“This year, we have come up with new strategies to avoid any malpractices. Improved security measures have been put in place and our plea goes to guardians and candidates to take examinations seriously and avoid cases of cheating,” Maganga said.

He said 145 271 candidates, both external and internal, registered to sit for the examinations.

He, however, said every year there are some candidates who do not sit for examinations despite registering, citing last year when the board registered 144 924 candidates, but only 127 211 turned up.

“The number of absent candidates is high with external candidates, but the board has not yet found out what could be the possible cause of such absenteeism when a candidate did all the necessary procedures