By Jones Gadama
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi National Examinations Board (MANEB) is facing scrutiny over the administration of the Junior Certificate of Education (JCE) French oral exams.
Contrary to claims by Minister of Education Madalitso Kambauwa that the exams concluded successfully, an investigation by Maravipost has revealed that several schools conducted the French oral exams without official MANEB mark sheets.
Instead, examiners at schools such as Lunzu Secondary School in Blantyre, Drapper Secondary School in Zomba, Beautiful Academy, Kasungu Secondary School, Beautiful Gate Academy in Salima, St. Chavala Girls’ Secondary School in Mponera and the rest of centres were forced to create their own mark sheets due to the absence of official MANEB documentation, after they were advised to improvise the mark sheets by MANEB French subject Development officer Philbert Kadzitche.
According to sources, the lack of mark sheets led to inconsistencies in the evaluation process, potentially compromising the integrity of the exams.
Examiners had to improvise by drawing their own mark sheets, which raises concerns about the standardization and reliability of the assessment.
When questioned about the issue, MANEB’s Public Relations Officer, Angella Kashitigo, expressed unfamiliarity with the situation and requested time to consult with relevant authorities. She also asked for a questionnaire, which was provided but never returned.
This controversy is not the first to plague MANEB. Last year, the board faced criticism for administering the JCE Map Reading Geography exams without maps, sparking concerns about the preparedness and competence of the examination body.
The investigation highlights potential systemic issues within MANEB, including inadequate planning, poor communication, and a lack of preparedness.
These problems undermine the credibility of the examination process and may have significant implications for students’ academic futures.
The incident has sparked questions about the reliability and trustworthiness of MANEB’s examination processes.
Stakeholders are calling for answers and action to prevent similar controversies in the future.
MANEB’s response to the situation remains unclear, and the board’s ability to maintain the integrity of the examination process is under scrutiny.
The incident may lead to further investigations and potential reforms within the education sector.
Efforts to reach Minister of Education Madalitso Kambauwa for comment were unsuccessful, as her phone rang unanswered.
The minister had previously praised the smooth conduct of the exams, stating that they ended on a good note.
The controversy surrounding the JCE French oral exams has cast a shadow over the credibility of MANEB and the education system in Malawi.
As the situation unfolds, stakeholders and the public are eagerly awaiting answers and action from MANEB and the Ministry of Education.
