The Lagos State Government has expressed deep concern over the dismal performance of public secondary school students in the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). According to recent figures, a staggering 26,592 students from public secondary schools failed the examination, accounting for 45.7% of the 58,188 students who sat for the exams.
This revelation has sparked widespread worry about the state of education in Nigeria’s commercial capital, with many stakeholders calling for urgent reforms to address the systemic challenges plaguing the public education sector. Despite the state government’s efforts to support students by covering WAEC fees to the tune of ₦1.577 billion, the failure rate has raised questions about the effectiveness of the education system.
In response to this alarming trend, the Lagos State Government has launched the Eko Learners’ Support Programme for WASSCE and NECO Candidates. This innovative initiative aims to provide world-class tutoring to students through 320 lessons across 10 key subjects, including English, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. The lessons will be broadcast on Lagos Television (LTV) and archived on digital platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, ensuring that students have access to quality educational content.
The mass failure of public school students has been attributed to various factors, including excessive social media use, lack of discipline, and inequity between public and private schools. Some stakeholders believe that many students spend more time on social media platforms like TikTok than on their studies, while others point to indiscipline among students as a contributing factor to the poor performance.
The Lagos State Government’s intervention program is a welcome development, aimed at bridging the gap and supporting students in achieving better academic results. By providing quality educational content and support, the government hopes to empower students to excel in their examinations and secure a brighter future.
As the debate surrounding the state of education in Lagos State continues, one thing is certain: the future of Nigeria’s commercial capital depends on the quality of its education system. The Lagos State Government’s efforts to address the challenges facing public education are a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to ensure that all students have access to quality education and opportunities for success.
