Rivers state residents have hailed the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) for derecognition of 35 schools following the allegation of examination malpractice. The 35 public and private schools run into trouble for allegedly aiding and involving in examination malpractices. In their reactions, the residents told our reporters that what WAEC did is a way of encouraging us not to have a half-baked students.
A member of the APC in Rivers State Charles Jaja told our reporters that this malpractice shows a complete neglect and failure of the government to do what is right. He said it is in the place of government to ensure quality and control in the education sector, but they have failed. He revealed that those who are meant to be supervisors don’t have the basic things to work with. Revealing that the environment of the Ministry of Education is not conducive for their workers.
Charles Jaja equally stated that the government should be proactive on education sector through serious monitoring of the teachers and the school children and endeavour to supply such schools with learning materials, while quality teachers are posted to the schools for efficiency.
A stakeholder in Rivers State Steven Degbara says WAEC delisting of 35 secondary schools in the State is a proof that the present administration has abandoned the educational sector. He however blamed lack of teachers and poor learning for exam malpractice in schools.
The Rivers State Government has announced the demotion of principals in public schools derecognised by the West Africa Examination Council WAEC in connection with examination malpractice link to their schools. Commissioner for education Prof. Kaniye Ebeku also announced the withdrawal of the operation licence of the private schools involved in the act.
Reacting to this, a Professor of Educational Psychology in the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Glory Amadi told our reporters that a thorough investigation must be done before sanctions. He said the state government should first of all investigate the authenticity of the accusation and take some steps further to determine those involved, and when that is done, appropriate action should be taken to put a stop to such embarrassing situation so that the actual people will not suffer for what they did not do.
Prof. Amadi further explained that until learners are made to understand the philosophy behind examination, the problem of malpractice will remain. He said examination is simply a process of determining the extent of learning that took place. Stating that if a person fails, that does not mean that the person is a nonentity but that the person has not learnt enough and should learn further to acquire the necessary knowledge. Adding that once a society appreciate the main reason for examination, there won’t be examination malpractice.
He however advised the Ministry of Education to remain proactive in monitoring the teachers efficiency and practical ability of such teachers employed. Adding that if we think of qualitative and quantitative education in the State, employment of teachers should be based on merit irrespective of the state the person comes from.
Only the best is good enough. He stated.
