The recent mass failure in the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations (SSCE) has sparked significant outrage among parents and educational groups, who are calling for the cancellation of certain papers, particularly English Language. The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) criticized the timing of the exams, which were conducted at night, arguing that this negatively impacted student performance.
Only 38.32% of candidates passed both English and Mathematics at the credit level, which are crucial for university admission. Many parents have attributed this failure to lapses by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), especially concerning the conditions under which the English exam was administered.
The Concerned Parents and Educators Network (CPE) voiced strong objections, with members highlighting the absurdity of candidates writing essays with torchlights under poor conditions. They demanded a thorough investigation into the examination’s conduct and called for a retake of the English Language paper.
Critics, including NAPPS President Yomi Otubela, described the exam conditions as unacceptable, noting reports of students using candles and torchlights. Otubela emphasized the need for systemic reforms within the education sector, citing inadequate investment in teacher development and infrastructure as contributing factors to the poor results.
WAEC has taken measures to prevent cheating, such as serializing questions, but many feel that the exam’s overall execution failed to meet acceptable standards. Stakeholders are urging collaborative efforts to address the challenges in the education system to enhance future exam outcomes.
