Jigawa varsity bans smartwatches, foreign devices during exams

Jigawa State University of Medical and Allied Health Sciences, Majia,

The management of the Jigawa State University of Medical and Allied Health Sciences (Majia) has enforced a total ban on smartwatches and other foreign devices in examination halls ahead of its forthcoming examinations.

The PUNCH gathered that the enforcement, which is part of preparations for the forthcoming students’ examinations, is aimed at curbing examination misconduct and upholding academic integrity in the institution.

Wearing wristwatches has been an age-old tradition and a fashion passion among both male and female students, used for timekeeping and to complement their dressing.

The situation, however, has changed with the introduction of technology-driven smartwatches, which now perform functions far beyond telling the time.

The university said it observed a rising trend of examination malpractice, which might not be unconnected with the misuse of smartwatches and other electronic devices to aid cheating.

It said the development necessitated the ban and strict enforcement of the regulation.

In a circular signed by the Academic Secretary, Aliyu Abubakar, on behalf of the Registrar and sighted by our correspondent on Thursday, it was stated that the document served as an official reminder to students to maintain discipline and strictly comply with all university examination regulations.

The circular read, “As the forthcoming examinations approach, the management wishes all students a successful examination period.”

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It stated that “Academic integrity is central to our institution’s mission. To ensure an orderly examination process, all students must adhere to the following rules.”

Giving details of the rules, the circular said students must arrive at least 30 minutes before the start time and present a valid examination card.

It added categorically that, “Students must not bring unauthorised items into the hall, including mobile phones, smartwatches, electronic devices or any other foreign material.”

On conduct in the hall, the university ordered that “Students must maintain absolute silence,” adding that “Talking, signalling, or sharing materials between candidates is strictly forbidden.”

Accordingly, the university said prohibited acts included carrying unauthorised materials, impersonating another candidate, copying, failing to submit answer booklets and obstructing invigilators, among others.

Furthermore, the circular disclosed that “the University maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy towards examination malpractice.”

It also warned that any student found engaging in malpractice or misconduct would be referred to the disciplinary committee, adding that “guilty students will face strict disciplinary action, including result cancellation, rustication, expulsion, or referral to law enforcement agencies where criminal offences such as forgery and impersonation are involved.”