In a bid to ensure academic readiness for external exams, the Lagos State government has scrapped mass promotions for students transitioning to terminal classes across the state’s secondary schools.
According to the government, this approach is expected to improve the overall academic performance, achievement, and prospects of Students while simultaneously raising the standards and academic excellence of education in Lagos.
This follows concerns raised by the state’s commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Tolani Alli-Balogun over the declining performance of students in the West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and other external examinations, despite the state’s substantial investment in education infrastructure and resources.
Alli Balogun’s concern was echoed at strategic meetings held across the six Education Districts in Lagos State, where he emphasized the need for innovative solutions to address the declining performance among students.
The commissioner, who tasked school principals in the state to devise strategies for improvement, seeking innovative solutions to address these challenges, called for the exclusive promotion of high-achieving students to the terminal class.
This measure, as stated by Alli Balogun aims to put a definitive end to the longstanding, deeply ingrained, and widespread practice of mass-promoting students, which despite its seemingly good intention and considerate efforts has unfortunately not led to the desired much-needed improvement in students academic performance.
In a statement issued by the ministry’s Deputy Director for Public Affairs, Kayode Sutton, the commissioner urged for swift action to revive various school activities that tap into students’ natural learning abilities and stimulate their physical and mental well-being including reactivating co-curricular activities that foster holistic development in students.
To achieve this, he directed implementing strategies that promote interactive learning, such as incorporating hands-on activities, experiments, and projects that encourage students to learn by doing, reviving sports, and physical education programs that promote physical fitness, teamwork, and mental discipline.
He further charged school principals to encourage students to express themselves through arts, music, drama, and other creative outlets and empower them to take ownership of their learning by leading projects, clubs, and organizations that align with their interests.
“By reactivating these activities, schools can provide students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in all aspects of life,” he said.
