Al-Hikmah University Dean Urges Smartphone Ban in Schools to Curb Exam Malpractice

Dr. Saeed Olorunnisola, acting Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, has called on both federal and state governments to ban the use of smartphones in Nigeria’s secondary and tertiary institutions. His appeal comes amid growing concerns over the role of mobile devices in promoting academic distractions and examination malpractice.

Speaking at the second National Symposium organized by the Mission for the Eradication of Examination Malpractice (MEEM), Dr. Olorunnisola highlighted how smartphones — particularly social media applications — are reducing students’ focus and academic engagement.

He noted that in many higher institutions, students often opt to snap lecture notes instead of actively participating in class or studying, which undermines deep learning. While acknowledging the importance of technology in modern education, he stressed that misuse has made smartphones more of a distraction than a tool for learning.

Dr. Olorunnisola referenced some universities that have already restricted smartphone usage among undergraduates, resulting in more disciplined learning environments. He suggested that students should instead be allowed to use basic phones capable only of calls and text messages, which would help reduce internet distractions while still keeping them reachable.

To address the situation long-term, he recommended that the government implement a policy to ban smartphones in schools and promote the use of laptops and other educational tools specifically for learning. He emphasized that as Nigeria continues to embrace faster internet like 5G, it is crucial to set boundaries that ensure technology supports, rather than hinders, academic excellence.