The University of Jos has recorded more than 200 cases of examination malpractice in a single academic semester.

The institution warned students against using Artificial Intelligence tools such as ChatGPT and other unauthorised devices during examinations.

The Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Tanko Ishaya, disclosed this on Friday during a meeting at the Faculty of Social Sciences, where students, staff, religious leaders and community representatives gathered to discuss security and student welfare following the recent killing of a former student, Ibrahim Mbaya.

Ishaya also condemned the growing trend of mob justice, describing it as a dangerous practice that must be stopped after Mbaya was allegedly lynched over a suspected phone theft.

He decried the increasing habit of bystanders recording violent incidents instead of alerting authorities, urging members of the university community to adopt a proactive approach to security.

“We are one big family. Your own brother is in trouble and the only thing you can do is record and post the video. That must change,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor said community leaders had pledged to collaborate with the university to strengthen security around the institution, while appealing to landlords and residents to support efforts to protect students.

According to him, the initiative became necessary in view of the rising insecurity in Plateau State, including attacks on communities and educational institutions.

As part of measures to improve emergency response, Ishaya announced that all students would receive the official telephone number of the university’s Chief Security Officer, alongside emergency contacts for the Plateau State Police Command and other security agencies.

He also cautioned students against allowing ethnic or political differences to undermine the unity of the institution.

On academic integrity, the Vice-Chancellor warned students against bringing mobile phones into examination halls to access AI applications, including ChatGPT.

“You will be caught,” he warned.

He disclosed that the university handled over 200 examination malpractice cases during the previous semester, adding that offenders faced penalties ranging from suspension to expulsion.

Ishaya recounted the case of a final-year student with a Second Class Upper degree who was expelled for examination malpractice, noting that the student’s father reportedly died while waiting to attend his graduation ceremony.

The Vice-Chancellor also revealed that the university had set up a task force to recover outstanding school fees owed by students since 2022.

Exam malpractice refers to any dishonest or irregular act committed before, during, or after an examination that violates the rules governing that exam, with the aim of gaining an unfair advantage or otherwise undermining the integrity of the assessment process.