Algerian Education Minister asks for security reinforcement to fight cheating at Baccalaureat exams

Algerian education minister Abu Bakr Ben bouzid said candidates for the Baccalaureat exam in 2008 will have the choice to do one exercise out of two with 30 additional minutes in every exam. Ben Bouzid issued instructions on Saturday to education directors to notify candidates in advance of all new measures in this regard.

The minister announced that a commission of observers will be set up in each province to keep watch on the exams process in the 2,162 centres.

Ben Bouzid also ordered education directors to hold daily meetings with exam centres presidents, guards and observers to inform them about necessary instructions for more credibility in the Baccalaureat exams.

 Ben Bouzid warned to sue any one who commits infraction ion that regard. He said cell phones are absolutely prohibited and his ministry would be reinforced by security agents for surveillance. “I will ask the government to help me with by security reinforcement from interior ministry. If any candidate is caught talking on the phone, his name will be registered and measures will be taken against him,” he said.