Ekohotblog reports that former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has voiced his concern over the recent decline in student performance in the 2024 West African Senior Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in Nigeria.
The West African Examination Council (WAEC) reported a 7.69 percent drop in the number of students who obtained credits in at least five subjects, including English language and Mathematics, compared to last year’s results.
According to WAEC, only 72.12 percent of candidates met the benchmark this year, down from 79.81 percent in 2023.
Obi expressed deep worry over this downward trend, emphasizing that it reflects broader issues in Nigeria’s education system and underscores the urgent need for increased investment in the sector.
Despite Nigeria’s reported literacy rate of over 50 percent, the country remains ranked 187th on the global literacy scale, a statistic that Obi believes highlights a significant lack of commitment to education.
He noted that the total capital expenditure for the education sector, including the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), was just n330.3 billion, which is insufficient for a nation with over 100,000 primary and secondary schools.
Drawing from his experience as Governor of Anambra State, Obi stressed that aggressive investment in education is crucial for improving outcomes.
He pointed to the transformative impact of the educational reforms implemented during his tenure, which continue to benefit the State today.
despite the challenges highlighted by the WASSCE results, Obi congratulated the students who performed well, acknowledging their hard work and dedication.
He also praised the teachers, school management, and staff for their unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders.
Reiterating his commitment to building a new Nigeria where education is prioritized, Obi quoted Nelson Mandela, stating, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
As nigeria grapples with declining educational standards, Obi’s call for urgent reforms and increased funding is a reminder that the future of the nation depends on the quality of education it provides to its youth.
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