A viral claim about hidden earbuds under hijabs during exams has sparked outrage over cheating, false honours and whether universities can still keep up.
AS technology becomes increasingly accessible to students, concerns are also growing over how easily it can be misused in universities and examination halls.
From using smartwatches in toilets to relying on AI-powered tools for assignments, conversations surrounding cheating in higher education are becoming harder to ignore as students compete for academic honours and future job opportunities.
That conversation intensified after a Threads user alleged that some students at a local university had secretly used concealed wireless earbuds during examinations while still graduating with prestigious academic honours.
The claims quickly attracted attention from students, working professionals and even lecturers, many of whom debated whether universities are still equipped to detect increasingly discreet methods of cheating.
User @maimunah_jantan shared the allegations in a series of posts, saying she had “lost respect” for students wearing the pink graduation sash, a symbol commonly associated with top academic achievers, after hearing about her brother’s university experience.
According to her, her brother graduated with first-class honours but did not receive the distinction, while another student who allegedly cheated did.
She claimed the student regularly acted as a “free rider” during group assignments before later admitting to secretly listening to pre-recorded answers during final examinations.
She further alleged that some female students were hiding wireless earbuds beneath their hijabs during exams and claimed that many others were doing the same.
“She even proudly said it’s great being a woman because you can hide earphones under your hijab during exams and no one notices,” the post read.
Public reactions largely shifted beyond the individual allegations and focused on the broader issue of academic integrity.
User @tameemaddaari described the tactic as “a very serious offence” and noted that students caught cheating during examinations could face expulsion from university.
Another user, @theskinrepublic, who identified as a lecturer, said it was the first time hearing of such a method despite previously catching students with hidden notes, prohibited calculators and smartwatches.
“Technology keeps evolving. Today it’s hidden devices, tomorrow it’ll be smart glasses,” the educator commented.
Others argued that academic results alone do not guarantee long-term success.
User @tedabubakar said a CGPA may only help graduates secure interviews, while actual skills and work ethic would matter more in the workplace.
Meanwhile, user @fadilazahani shared an account involving a Dean’s List graduate who allegedly failed probation after employers discovered assignments had been outsourced.
