Exam Failures in Nigeria and What the Government is Doing

Nigeria has long faced a persistent problem in its education system – the alarming rate of exam failures among secondary school students. The situation has raised significant concerns among stakeholders, leaving them pondering why the secondary education system has consistently failed to meet society’s yearnings. In recent years, the decline in the performance of secondary school students, particularly in core subjects like mathematics, has been evident through the results of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).

Recent statistics from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) reveal the educational challenges in Nigeria. In the 2022 West African Senior School Certificate Examination, the second series for private candidates, 42.16% of the 73,424 candidates achieved credit and above in a minimum of five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, highlighting persistent issues in student performance. The data emphasizes the need for comprehensive interventions to address these challenges and enhance the educational prospects for Nigerian students, involving stakeholders such as parents, the government, and organizations like Skool Media.

It is said that “no country can develop more than the level of her education.” This is why the Nigerian government must prioritize the development of the education sector. The success of a student is not the sole responsibility of any single entity; rather, it is the result of a collaborative effort involving parents, the government, and teachers, each with their respective roles to play.

The government holds a substantial responsibility for the success of the education system. This includes the provision of materials for schools, including books and equipment for libraries, laboratories, and ICT rooms. Additionally, the welfare of school workers, especially teachers, should be a priority. Adequate remuneration, timely promotions, and opportunities for in-service training and workshops are essential to keep teachers motivated and dedicated to their roles.

Regular inspections by the government should serve as checks and balances to ensure the education system functions effectively. These inspections should focus on corrective measures rather than victimization or political scoring. Failure by the government to fulfill these responsibilities creates a vacuum that can have long-term negative effects on the education system and, consequently, on the country’s development.

Recognizing the urgency of improving Nigeria’s education system, the Federal Ministry of Education has embarked on a partnership with Skool Media. This collaboration underscores the importance of digital innovation in driving improvements in the public education system. Skool Media, through this partnership, has introduced various initiatives aimed at revolutionizing education in Nigeria.

Moses Imayi, Skool Media’s CEO, underscores the vital role of this collaboration, underscoring, “Our alliance with the Federal Ministry of Education serves as a testament to our dedication to revolutionizing education in Nigeria. Through close cooperation with the ministry, we have effectively tackled some of the obstacles confronting our education system and introduced pioneering solutions.”

Skool Media’s impact on Nigeria’s education sector has been profound. One of its notable achievements is the establishment of Student Technology Experience Centres (STECs) in over 100 Federal Unity Colleges across all 36 states of Nigeria. These state-of-the-art digital labs have become hubs of innovation, offering students access to technology that enhances their learning experience. Skool Media’s presence extends to 36 states across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, benefiting over 2 million students in the past decade.

Skool Media’s commitment to improving education in Nigeria is evident through its involvement with various local and international associations and bodies, including the United Nations Global Compact, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), the International Trade Council (ITC), the Nigerian British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), the American Nigerian Chamber of Commerce (ANCC), and the Nigerian Institute of Training and Development (NITDA), among others.

The collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Education and Skool Media is a step in the right direction. The establishment of Student Technology Experience Centres and other innovative initiatives is a testament to their commitment to transforming education in Nigeria. By addressing the challenges facing the education system and harnessing the power of digital innovation, they are working towards a brighter future for Nigerian students and the nation as a whole. This partnership must serve as a model for further improvements in the education sector, ultimately bridging the gap in exam failures and paving the way for a more prosperous Nigeria.