Unam exams cancelled over leaked papers

Hundreds of University of Namibia (Unam) students were left fuming yesterday when their examinations were cancelled just over an hour into their test, while testing for other modules were also scrapped. It has since emerged that the question papers had been leaked to some students ahead of the time. Over 200 students who sat for Management Information System (MIS) final year examination paper yesterday were asked to leave the testing venue an hour and a half after sitting down for their exams. A student said while they were busy writing, an invigilator told them: “Get up and leave the answer sheet and question paper on the table. The paper is leaked.” It has since been alleged that six Faculty of Economics and Management Science modules have now been declared null and void, following allegations that those examination papers had also been leaked. The subjects are from the second to fourth years. Some examination papers had already been written, while others were due to be written next week. “There will be no second opportunity or special examination. Read more on your portal,” read an SMS sent to students yesterday, which was later forwarded to Namibian Sun. A student, who was among those who were asked to abandon their examination yesterday morning, said she is angry and disappointed in the system. “I did not sleep at all. I studied till the morning, just for me to go write and then be told to leave the venue.” Another student said: “The decent thing to do was to move us to a separate venue and address us in an appropriate manner.” He added that lecturers had allegedly been informed on Wednesday that the examination papers had been leaked, and nothing was done. “Management is not taking us seriously and are not addressing the situation. We are paying for this service and the fees go up every year.” The students further complained that it is always their faculty that sees examination papers being leaked. “Since I started at Unam four years ago, there are always papers leaked.” The students alleged that MIS is one of the subjects that stops students from graduating, due to leaked papers. “The paper was leaked last year. They gave us a difficult paper to write and I failed,” alleged another student, who was supposed to have graduated already. MIS distance students also complained that the lecturer has not been showing up for classes. Another said they wrote a test, did an assignment and in the middle of the semester they were told that the subject was being moved to the next semester, while they were initially suppose to do the subject during the current term. Unam spokesperson John Haufiku confirmed the cancellation of the examination. He said management only learnt about the alleged leaking of the examination papers yesterday, and were busy attending to the issue. Once they are done with their probe they will pronounce themselves on the matter. Haufiku said a decision was taken to safeguard the integrity of the examination and that a new exam would be held semester. He said they are trying to establish who leaked the examination papers and denied that there have been previous examination paper leaks relating to the MIS course. Haufiku also said students who scored between 45 to 49 points will also qualify for a supplementary examination next semester.

WINDHOEK SELMA IKELA