Academic Integrity Policy

Last Updated: August 19, 2026

Introduction

Meridian Skills Academy (MerSkills) is committed to maintaining high standards of academic honesty, responsible learning and professional integrity.

Academic integrity means completing learning and assessment activities honestly, taking responsibility for your own work, acknowledging the contributions of others and using information, technology and artificial intelligence responsibly.

This Academic Integrity Policy establishes the standards expected of learners participating in MerSkills programmes.

It should be read together with the Student Code of Conduct, Terms & Conditions and any programme-specific academic or assessment requirements.

1. Purpose of This Policy

The purpose of this Policy is to:

• Promote honesty and fairness in learning and assessment.
• Protect the credibility of MerSkills programmes and certificates.
• Establish clear expectations for academic work.
• Explain unacceptable academic practices.
• Provide a fair framework for addressing suspected academic misconduct.
• Encourage learners to develop genuine knowledge and professional competence.

Academic integrity is not simply about avoiding misconduct. It is about developing the habits of honesty, responsibility, originality and professional accountability expected in further education and the workplace.

2. Who This Policy Applies To

This Policy applies to learners participating in MerSkills programmes, including activities conducted through:

• Online classrooms;
• Learning management systems;
• Assignments;
• Projects;
• Quizzes;
• Examinations;
• Practical activities;
• Discussion forums;
• Presentations;
• Written submissions; and
• Other assessed learning activities.

Programme-specific academic requirements may establish additional standards.

3. Responsibility of Learners

Every learner is responsible for understanding and following the academic requirements applicable to their programme.

Learners are expected to:

• Submit their own work unless collaboration is expressly permitted.
• Acknowledge sources appropriately.
• Follow assessment instructions.
• Use permitted resources responsibly.
• Protect the confidentiality of assessment materials.
• Ask instructors for clarification when requirements are unclear.
• Maintain accurate information about their academic identity and work.

Claiming that a learner was unaware of an academic requirement does not necessarily excuse misconduct.

4. Originality and Authentic Work

Learners should submit work that genuinely represents their own knowledge, effort and contribution.

Unless collaboration is expressly authorised, learners must not submit another person’s work as their own.

This includes work obtained from:

• Another learner;
• A friend, colleague or family member;
• Websites;
• Online repositories;
• Commercial assignment services;
• Generative AI systems; or
• Other sources.

Where external assistance is permitted, it should be used in accordance with the relevant programme or assessment instructions.

5. Plagiarism

Plagiarism occurs when a learner presents another person’s words, ideas, structure, work or other intellectual contribution as their own without appropriate acknowledgement.

Examples may include:

• Copying text without citation;
• Copying substantial portions of another person’s work;
• Presenting another person’s ideas without attribution;
• Reproducing online content without acknowledging the source;
• Submitting purchased or downloaded work; or
• Closely reproducing another person’s work while attempting to disguise its origin.

Plagiarism may occur even when the copied material has been modified slightly.

Learners are expected to develop their own understanding and appropriately acknowledge sources used in their work.

6. Proper Use of Sources

Learners may use books, articles, websites, videos, research materials and other legitimate sources where permitted.

When using another person’s ideas, words, data or other intellectual contributions, learners should provide appropriate attribution according to the referencing requirements of their programme.

Direct quotations should be clearly identified and attributed.

Paraphrased ideas should also be properly acknowledged.

7. Self-Plagiarism and Duplicate Submission

Learners should not submit substantially the same work for multiple assessments unless the instructor or programme explicitly permits it.

Submitting previously assessed work as though it were newly produced may constitute academic misconduct because it misrepresents the learner’s current academic work.

Where learners are permitted to build upon previous work, they should follow the relevant instructions and clearly identify any reused material where required.

8. Fabrication and Falsification

Learners must not invent, manipulate or misrepresent information in academic work.

Prohibited conduct may include:

• Inventing research results;
• Fabricating survey responses;
• Creating false references;
• Falsifying data;
• Altering results dishonestly;
• Misrepresenting participation;
• Falsifying documents; or
• Providing inaccurate information about academic activities.

Academic work should accurately represent the evidence, methods and information used.

9. Cheating

Cheating occurs when a learner obtains or attempts to obtain an unfair academic advantage.

Examples may include:

• Using unauthorised materials during an assessment;
• Receiving unauthorised assistance;
• Accessing restricted examination information;
• Sharing answers where prohibited;
• Obtaining assessment questions through unauthorised means;
• Using another person’s work during an individual assessment; or
• Circumventing assessment requirements.

Assessment instructions determine what resources and forms of assistance are permitted.

10. Unauthorised Collaboration

Collaboration can be an important part of professional learning.

However, learners must distinguish between authorised collaboration and unauthorised collaboration.

If an assessment is designated as individual work, learners must complete it independently unless the instructor expressly permits assistance.

Unauthorised collaboration may include sharing answers, jointly producing an individual assignment or allowing another person to complete substantial portions of one’s work.

11. Contract Cheating and Purchased Work

Learners must not pay, request or encourage another person or service to complete academic work on their behalf.

This includes:

• Purchasing assignments;
• Hiring someone to complete an assessment;
• Submitting work prepared by another person;
• Using essay-writing or assignment-completion services for assessed work; or
• Allowing another person to complete an examination or project.

Contract cheating seriously undermines the purpose of education and may result in significant disciplinary action.

12. Impersonation

A learner must not permit another person to participate in academic activities on their behalf.

This includes:

• Completing an assessment for another learner;
• Taking an examination on behalf of another learner;
• Participating in a required activity while impersonating another learner; or
• Allowing another person to use the learner’s account for academic activities.

Identity verification may be used where necessary to protect academic integrity.

13. Artificial Intelligence and Generative AI

MerSkills recognises that artificial intelligence tools can support learning, research, creativity and professional development.

However, AI tools must be used responsibly and in accordance with the requirements of the relevant programme or assessment.

Unless expressly prohibited or restricted, acceptable uses may include activities such as:

• Brainstorming ideas;
• Exploring concepts;
• Generating questions for study;
• Supporting learning;
• Improving understanding of difficult concepts; or
• Assisting with permitted drafting or preparation.

However, learners remain responsible for the work they submit.

14. Unauthorised AI Use

Where an assessment requires independent work, learners must not use artificial intelligence in a way that defeats the purpose of the assessment.

Examples of potentially unacceptable use include:

• Submitting AI-generated work as entirely one’s own where AI use is prohibited;
• Using AI to complete an assessment that is intended to measure the learner’s individual competence;
• Using AI to generate answers during a restricted examination;
• Misrepresenting AI-generated content as personal research or experience;
• Using AI to fabricate references, data or evidence; or
• Failing to follow an instructor’s specific AI-use instructions.

AI-generated content may also contain inaccurate or fabricated information. Learners remain responsible for checking the accuracy of information they submit.

15. Disclosure of AI Use

Where a programme or assessment requires disclosure of AI assistance, learners must provide the required information.

The specific requirements may include identifying:

• The AI tool used;
• The purpose for which it was used;
• The nature of the assistance received; and
• How the resulting content was reviewed or modified.

Programme-specific instructions take precedence regarding the required format or level of disclosure.

16. AI Does Not Replace Learner Responsibility

The use of an AI tool does not transfer responsibility for submitted work to the tool, its developer or another person.

The learner remains responsible for:

• Accuracy;
• Originality;
• Appropriate attribution;
• Compliance with assessment instructions;
• Protection of confidential information; and
• The overall quality and integrity of the submission.

Learners should never assume that AI-generated information is automatically accurate, original or academically acceptable.

17. Unauthorised Assistance

Learners must not obtain assistance that is prohibited by the relevant assessment instructions.

Unauthorised assistance may include receiving answers, having another person edit or substantially rewrite assessed work, or using restricted tools during an examination.

Where assistance is permitted, learners should remain within the boundaries established by the instructor or programme.

18. Misuse of Assessment Materials

Assessment questions, examination papers, answer keys, restricted marking materials and other confidential academic resources must not be copied, distributed or published without authorisation.

Learners must not attempt to obtain assessment materials through unauthorised channels.

Sharing restricted assessment materials may constitute academic misconduct even if the learner does not personally benefit from doing so.

19. Examination and Assessment Security

Where an assessment includes specific security requirements, learners must comply with them.

These may include requirements relating to:

• Identity verification;
• Secure examination environments;
• Permitted devices;
• Permitted reference materials;
• Time limits;
• Camera or monitoring requirements where legitimately applicable; and
• Submission procedures.

Attempts to bypass assessment security may constitute academic misconduct.

20. False or Misleading Academic Information

Learners must provide accurate information relating to their academic participation.

Misconduct may include:

• Falsifying attendance;
• Misrepresenting completion of an activity;
• Falsifying supporting documents;
• Manipulating academic records;
• Misrepresenting grades or qualifications; or
• Providing false information during an academic investigation.

21. Research and Data Integrity

Where a programme involves research, surveys, interviews, experiments, case studies or data collection, learners must handle information honestly.

Learners must not:

• Invent participants;
• Fabricate responses;
• Manipulate results dishonestly;
• Misrepresent research methods;
• Falsify sources;
• Conceal material information deliberately; or
• Present unsupported conclusions as established facts.

Where research involves personal information or human participants, learners must also follow any applicable ethical and programme-specific requirements.

22. Copyright and Intellectual Property

Learners must respect the intellectual-property rights of authors, creators, institutions and other rights holders.

Using copyrighted materials for academic purposes does not automatically give a learner unrestricted permission to reproduce or distribute them.

Learners should follow applicable copyright rules and programme-specific guidance when using external materials.

23. Academic Records and Credentials

Learners must not falsify, alter, reproduce or misuse MerSkills academic records or certificates.

Prohibited conduct includes:

• Altering a certificate;
• Creating a fraudulent MerSkills certificate;
• Changing grades or programme information;
• Misrepresenting a certificate’s status;
• Using another person’s certificate as one’s own; or
• Creating false academic records.

MerSkills may verify certificates and academic records where legitimate verification requests are received.

24. Reporting Academic Misconduct

Learners, instructors and authorised staff may report suspected academic misconduct to MerSkills.

Reports should be made through an appropriate official communication channel.

Email: info@merskills.com

Where possible, a report should include relevant information about the concern and any available supporting evidence.

25. Review of Suspected Misconduct

Where academic misconduct is suspected, MerSkills may review the relevant information before determining an appropriate outcome.

The review may include:

• Examination of the submitted work;
• Comparison with available sources;
• Review of assessment records;
• Communication with the learner;
• Request for supporting information;
• Review of relevant learning-platform records; or
• Other reasonable measures appropriate to the circumstances.

MerSkills may use appropriate academic and technological methods to identify potential misconduct.

26. Learner Response

Where appropriate, a learner may be given an opportunity to respond to a concern before a final decision is made.

The learner may be asked to explain:

• How the work was produced;
• Sources used;
• Assistance received;
• Tools used;
• The circumstances surrounding the submission; or
• Other relevant information.

The process may vary according to the seriousness and nature of the matter.

27. Possible Academic Consequences

Where academic misconduct is established, MerSkills may take proportionate action.

Depending on the circumstances, consequences may include:

• Educational guidance;
• Requirement to correct or resubmit work;
• Reduced or zero marks for an assessment;
• Failure of an assessment;
• Failure of a course or module;
• Reassessment where appropriate;
• Academic warning;
• Suspension from a programme;
• Withdrawal from a programme;
• Withholding of a certificate;
• Revocation of a certificate where misconduct is discovered after issuance; or
• Other appropriate institutional action.

The seriousness of the misconduct, previous conduct and circumstances of the case may be considered.

28. Serious or Repeated Academic Misconduct

Serious or repeated academic misconduct may result in stronger disciplinary measures.

Examples may include:

• Contract cheating;
• Examination impersonation;
• Systematic plagiarism;
• Fabrication of research or academic records;
• Fraudulent certificates;
• Deliberate manipulation of assessment systems;
• Repeated cheating; or
• Coordinated attempts to undermine academic processes.

29. Revocation of Credentials

If MerSkills determines that a certificate or other credential was obtained through fraud, serious academic misconduct or material misrepresentation, the Academy may review the validity of that credential.

Where appropriate and legally permissible, MerSkills may revoke or invalidate a credential that was improperly obtained.

The learner may also be required to cease representing the credential as valid.

30. Appeals

Where a learner is subject to a significant academic-integrity decision, MerSkills may provide an opportunity to request a review or appeal in accordance with the applicable programme procedures.

An appeal should normally:

• Be submitted within the period communicated by MerSkills;
• Identify the decision being challenged;
• Explain the grounds for the appeal; and
• Provide relevant supporting information.

An appeal does not necessarily suspend the original decision unless MerSkills determines otherwise.

31. Confidentiality

MerSkills will take reasonable steps to handle academic-integrity reports and investigations responsibly.

Information relating to an investigation may be shared with authorised individuals where necessary to assess the matter, make a decision, provide appropriate support or comply with legal obligations.

Complete confidentiality cannot always be guaranteed.

32. Protection Against Retaliation

MerSkills does not encourage retaliation against individuals who make genuine academic-integrity reports or participate honestly in an investigation.

Retaliation against a person because they raised a legitimate concern or participated in an investigation may itself constitute misconduct.

Knowingly submitting false allegations or deliberately providing fabricated evidence may also result in disciplinary action.

33. Prevention and Education

MerSkills believes that academic integrity should be taught and supported, not only enforced.

We encourage learners to seek guidance when they are uncertain about:

• Referencing;
• Collaboration;
• Use of sources;
• Artificial intelligence;
• Assessment requirements;
• Research practices; or
• Other academic-integrity matters.

Learners should ask questions before submitting work whenever an academic requirement is unclear.

34. Relationship With the Student Code of Conduct

Academic integrity is part of the wider professional and behavioural standards expected of MerSkills learners.

The Student Code of Conduct addresses broader learner behaviour, including respectful communication, harassment, bullying, responsible technology use and professional conduct.

This Academic Integrity Policy focuses specifically on honesty and integrity in academic activities.

A single incident may fall under both policies where appropriate.

35. Changes to This Policy

MerSkills may update this Academic Integrity Policy from time to time to reflect developments in educational practice, technology, artificial intelligence, assessment methods or applicable requirements.

The latest version will be published on this page with an updated “Last Updated” date.

Where programme-specific academic requirements provide more detailed instructions, those requirements may apply to the relevant programme or assessment.

36. Contact Us

If you have questions about academic integrity or require clarification about an academic requirement, please contact MerSkills.

Meridian Skills Academy
21 Ikot Ekwere Itam Road
West Itam District
Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
520113, Nigeria
West Africa

Email: info@merskills.com
Phone: +234 802 170 9686
Website: merskills.com

Our Academic Integrity Commitment

MerSkills believes that the value of professional education depends on the integrity of the learning process.

We want every certificate awarded by the Academy to represent genuine learning, meaningful effort and demonstrated achievement.

We therefore encourage every learner to approach their studies with honesty, responsibility, curiosity and a commitment to excellence.

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