The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has raised concerns about many students’ poor performances on campuses, which does not reflect their excellent results gotten from the West African Examination Council (WAEC), and other examination bodies suggesting possible manipulations.
In a letter addressed to secondary school teachers, private school owners and parents, ASUU asked that they ensure students write their senior certificate examinations themselves, and merit their grades.
In the letter, ASUU wrote “We are tired of seeing students with A1 in Mathematics but cannot solve the smallest of fractions in the subject.
“We’re tired of seeing a student with distinctions in Physics and Chemistry, but knows nothing about chemical reactions or energy conversion.”
The director of academic planning at Nigerian University of Technology and Management, Nubi Achebo, described the call as very timely, emphasizing that the root of poor learning outcomes and fake results is a complex issue.
Achebo said the key factors contributing to poor learning outcomes and fake results syndrome include weak educational foundation, inadequate teacher training, overemphasis on certificate acquisition, parental pressure, corruption and malpractice, among others.
While stating his stance, he said “The quality of primary and secondary education in Nigeria is often inadequate, leading to a weak foundation in core subjects like Mathematics, English, and Science.
Many teachers lack proper training, qualifications, and motivation, which affects their ability to deliver quality education. Numerous private schools hire teachers for as low as N20,000 a month; what kind of teaching and learning will emanate from this type of institution?”
“Corruption and examination malpractice are rampant in Nigeria’s education system, leading to fake results and undermining the integrity of the education process. Besides, the education system places a high premium on certificate acquisition, rather than knowledge acquisition, leading to a culture of ‘passing exams’ rather than ‘learning’,” he stated.
Achebo, while speaking on the way forward, said there is a need to reform the education system, promote a culture of learning, strengthen examination systems, provide incentives for quality education, and leverage technology, among others.
“Implement a comprehensive reform of the education system, focusing on teacher training, curriculum development, and infrastructure improvement. Encourage a culture of learning, rather than just certificate acquisition, by emphasising the importance of knowledge and skills acquisition.
Speaking further, he said that by addressing these factors and implementing these solutions, Nigeria can begin to improve its education outcomes and reduce the prevalence of fake results.
Isaiah Ogundele, an educationist said that moral decadence and corruption has eaten deep into the fabric of many Nigerians hence, many parents and schools manipulate the system.
“The issue is part of moral decadence and corruption has eaten deep into the fabric of our society. Many parents manipulate their children’s age required for admission, and also take them to the special centres where somebody would write the examinations for them.
