Computer based testing offers the most effective way to curb examination malpractice in so called "miracle centres," an official with the West African Examinations Council has stated.

Timothy Manga, who serves at the WAEC office in Makurdi, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria amid growing concerns over examination malpractice and its effect on the credibility of public examinations and educational certificates.

According to Manga, allegations about the existence of miracle examination centres in Benue State have become worrisome, though the Council has not officially confirmed the existence of such centres. He described the trend as a threat to the education system, insisting that schools should be recognised for quality teaching rather than for facilitating malpractice.

"Any system that rewards students for cheating undermines those who have worked hard to prepare for examinations," Manga said. "We need an examination system where success is determined by knowledge, preparation, and competence, not by the ability to access assistance during examinations."

He added that WAEC had not received any information confirming a specific school as a miracle centre but would continue monitoring the situation.

Mrs Rebecca Ezekiel, a teacher at NKST Secondary School Makurdi, argued that establishing independent examination centres could reduce the influence schools and teachers hold over examinations such as WAEC and the National Examination Council. She explained that computer based testing would give examination bodies greater control over venues, personnel and security arrangements, noting that candidates should be examined under conditions independent of their own schools. Ezekiel further recommended biometric verification and Closed Circuit Television cameras to strengthen monitoring.

However, Jude Odeh, a school proprietor in Otukpo Local Government Area, contended that admitting students into their final year did not automatically qualify a school as a miracle centre. He acknowledged hearing allegations about such centres in the state but said he was yet to identify any specific school involved. Odeh noted that some parents switch their children's schools due to high examination and school fees, with some institutions charging arbitrarily. He said certain schools in Benue only registered students promoted from SS2 for external examinations, rather than admitting new students directly into SS3.