The West African Examination Council has blacklisted some secondary schools in Abia State for their involvement in examination malpractice.

The commissioner for education in the state, Uche Eme Uche, disclosed this to journalists in Umuahia.

Ms Uche said the external examination body revealed the development to the Abia State government.

She explained that most of the schools affected were privately owned but did not disclose their names.

Frowning at the act capable of tarnishing the image of the state, Ms Uche said the operational licences of the affected schools would be withdrawn.

She noted that the action of the Abia State government would serve as a deterrent.

According to her, the state supported the move by WAEC to delist the erring schools as it would halt the lowering of academic standards in schools.

Ms Uche, however, said the state had previously shut down some schools due to the same unpleasant practices.

WAEC had repeatedly warned school owners, students and parents against malpractices during external exams.

Last year, the examination body said it discovered some special centres also known as “miracle centres,” positioned to make a profit by helping students to cheat.