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Lyrics and insults on exam sheets: Tanzania’s growing moral crisis among students
Dr Joyce Ndalichako, who served as Executive Secretary of National Examinations Council of Tanzania (NECTA) from 2005 to 2014, displays an examination answer sheet featuring a drawing of a 'Zombi'. PHOTO | FILE
What you need to know:
- Most recently, 16 Standard Seven students had their results cancelled after scribbling offensive remarks on their answer sheets
Dar es Salaam. Each year, when national examination results are released in Tanzania, a troubling trend resurfaces: some students’ results are nullified because they wrote insults or inappropriate content on their exam papers.
Most recently, 16 Standard Seven students had their results cancelled after scribbling offensive remarks on their answer sheets, according to the Executive Secretary of the National Examinations Council of Tanzania (NECTA), Dr Said Mohamed.
This issue is not new—similar cases were reported in 2019 and again in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 with students using exam papers as canvases for vulgar words, Bongofleva lyrics, and even cartoons.
This recurring problem has raised concerns among parents, educators, and policymakers, who question what could be fuelling such behaviour in young students.
Some experts see it as a sign of moral decline in Tanzanian society, a troubling issue that could have far-reaching consequences for the future.
“Children today seem to lack respect for education,” says a child development expert, Ms Anna Jumbe.
“It’s essential to balance academic success with building character. If students continue to see exams as unimportant, it reflects a larger moral decay that will impact the entire society.”
In a country investing heavily in educational reforms, including updated curricula and infrastructure, many find it disturbing that students would display such disregard for their studies.
An education researcher from the University of Dar es Salaam, Dr Juma Macha, calls the behaviour “deeply troubling” and notes that it could be linked to a variety of social issues, from lack of parental guidance to societal influences.
“Seeing insults on a young child’s exam paper is concerning,” Dr Macha says.
“There should be an investigation into whether there are adults behind this who are encouraging or influencing children negatively.
When students lose respect for exams, it reflects not only on the education system but on societal values at large.”
He argues that behaviours students witness at home and in their communities may play a significant role.
"In some cases, young people are exposed to aggression or indiscipline at home, and it’s not surprising they carry these attitudes to school," he says.
The issue has also alarmed educators across the country.
One secondary school teacher in Dar es Salaam, who prefers to remain anonymous, shared his own experience:
“I had a student who wrote obscene words on his exam paper. When I spoke to him, he was unapologetic, as if he didn’t understand the gravity of his actions,” he tells The Citizen.
“It’s challenging to enforce discipline among students who lack respect for their teachers. Some students are so unruly, they even bring drugs to school. We need stronger support to help these students understand why education matters.”
Psychologists say that parents play a crucial role in shaping children’s behaviour, but in today’s fast-paced world, many parents find it difficult to spend enough time with their children.
A psychologist, Ms Josephine Mlelwa, believes that exposure to inappropriate language and behaviour at home may be one of the root causes of indiscipline.
“These children are simply reflecting what they see around them,” she explains.
“If a child grows up in an environment where adults use disrespectful language, it’s likely they’ll mimic that behaviour. Ignoring this issue will only create a careless generation.”
Some students face additional challenges, such as being forced into early marriages or dropping out due to family circumstances.
“Students who experience abuse, forced marriage, or pregnancy often develop a negative view of education. They don’t see the point of studying,” Dr Macha points out.
Government steps
Recognising the severity of the issue, the Tanzanian government has taken initial steps to address indiscipline and moral decline in schools.
Deputy Minister of Education Omary Kipanga recently spoke in Parliament about a new programme aimed at fostering ethical behaviour among students.
“We have already started a programme to teach morals in schools to prevent incidents like this,” Mr Kipanga said.
“We are also establishing special counselling desks in schools to provide students with guidance and support.”
However, experts and educators believe that addressing the root causes requires a broader approach.
They call for a concerted effort involving not only teachers and parents but also the community and religious institutions.
“Moral education should be a collaborative effort,” Ms Jumbe stresses.
“School counselling services can help, but we need everyone on board—parents, teachers, and community leaders—to reinforce positive values.”
The calls for investigation have grown louder.
Dr Macha suggests a deeper look into students who habitually act out during exams to determine whether external influences may be at play.
“If there are adults behind these behaviours, pushing children to fail on purpose or even instigating such actions, they should be held accountable,” he says.
“There’s a chance that some students are being influenced by outsiders who exploit their youthful rebellion for their own purposes.”
As Tanzania moves further into the digital age, experts worry that the influence of technology and media will continue to erode traditional values if left unchecked.
One teacher explains the difficulty: “We can’t compete with the internet. Children are more focused on what they see online than what we teach them. Unless we involve parents and the community, it will be hard to change these attitudes.”
