Your Excellency,
I am writing to you as a concerned citizen deeply committed to the well-being and progress of our great nation, Nigeria. In recent years, our education system has faced significant challenges, particularly in the realm of examination fees, hindering the educational pursuits of countless young minds.
I wish to draw your attention to the escalating examination fees imposed by WAEC, NECO, NABTEB and JAMB, which have become a formidable barrier for students aspiring to pursue higher education. The hike in these fees is disproportionately affecting economically disadvantaged families, thereby denying deserving students the opportunity to access quality education.
Millions of talented Nigerian students are forced to abandon their educational aspirations primarily due to either failing English and mathematics in WAEC, NABTEB or NECO or being unable to afford the examination fees. What happens to the skills they’ve acquired in technical schools or science secondary schools? Also, what about the continuous assessment records they’ve maintained over six years in senior secondary schools?
Considering these pressing concerns, I earnestly urge you, Your Excellency, to consider a bold and transformative step towards educational reform. Recently, you promised that no student will drop out of school under your government, remember that Nigerians are watching you.
I propose the scrapping of WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, and JAMB, as these examination bodies have served their purposes and are now contributing to the educational inequities we face. Some of these examination bodies have existed for centuries, and now, in the 21st century, we must change the methods that suit the current challenges of our country.
In lieu of these examinations, I propose the establishment of a system similar to the Continuous Evaluation Grades prevalent in leading education systems worldwide, such as the United States. A system where secondary schools conduct ongoing assessments, and the culmination of these assessments serves as the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE).
In this envisioned system, students wishing to pursue higher education could have their secondary school submit their academic transcripts for university, college, or polytechnic admissions.
This streamlined process would not only be more affordable but also globally recognized, fostering a competitive and reputable educational environment.
Your Excellency, this proposal is not only rooted in the need for financial accessibility but also in the pursuit of excellence and equity in education. By taking this courageous step, you would be instrumental in shaping a brighter future for countless young Nigerians, unlocking their potential, and contributing to the overall development of our beloved nation.
I am confident that your leadership and vision will guide our nation towards a more inclusive, affordable, and globally competitive education system. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Yours faithfully,
Tijjani Mukaddas wrote from Vanderbilt University, Tennessee, United States. (+1-7857606965)
