THIS is not the first nor the last time that the trust of students has been betrayed. Cambridge International Education has confirmed the premature disclosure of a recent AS-Level mathematics exam and postponed another math paper. Caught in a new controversy over leaked Cambridge papers, students claimed that the paper they received was identical to its solved version on social media. Although the government has ordered an inquiry, it is clear that the education authorities’ role has been left severely tarnished because of never-ending paper leaks. Many children devote endless hours of hard work only to have to retake the exam for no fault of theirs. Such scandals expose the deepening rot that threatens their future. Meanwhile, leaks mean cheating and corruption. Incompetent schooling, scarce faith in the system and a complicit staff drive the willingness to cheat.

A good education transforms lives and economies. There is, therefore, a desperate need to fortify the examination system and ensure transparency. Cheating, often facilitated by invigilators, must be tackled through advanced technological mechanisms — surveillance cameras in exam halls, computer-based assessments, and regulated AI use — can serve as deterrents. A supervisory charter that stipulates hefty penalties for those who enable cheating must also be in place. The importance of regulations for coaching centres that perpetuate the menace to outperform competitors cannot be stressed enough. Moreover, our national habit of learning by rote can only be countered with curricula that encourage critical thinking. Corrupt staff and examiners need to be weeded out to foster an ethical education environment that prioritises honesty and commitment over unreal results. The cheating epidemic requires sustained administrative effort. Any indifference towards it puts human development and intellectual maturity at risk. Our children deserve a society that is free of malpractice and learning poverty.

Published in Dawn, May 17th, 2026