The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has raised concerns over discrepancies between students’ stellar results in Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE) and their poor academic performance on university campuses, suggesting possible manipulations in the examination process.
In a letter addressed to secondary school teachers, private school owners, and parents, ASUU urged stakeholders to ensure that students write their exams independently and earn their grades honestly. The union lamented seeing students with distinctions in core subjects like Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry who struggle with basic concepts in these areas.
Education experts have highlighted systemic issues such as inadequate funding, unqualified teachers, corruption, and examination malpractice as major factors undermining Nigeria’s education system. According to Nubi Achebo, Director of Academic Planning at the Nigerian University of Technology and Management, weak educational foundations, poor teacher training, and societal overemphasis on certificates rather than actual knowledge have contributed to the prevalence of fake results and poor learning outcomes.
Achebo proposed reforms that include improving teacher training, overhauling curricula, and enhancing infrastructure. He also suggested providing scholarships, awards, and leveraging technology to improve access to quality education, especially in underserved areas.
Another educationist, Isaiah Ogundele, noted that moral decadence and corruption have fueled widespread manipulation, with parents and some school owners aiding examination malpractice. Ogundele recommended introducing an additional screening exam after post-UTME to identify students admitted through fraudulent means.
Stanley Alaubi, a senior lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt, pointed out that the problem is more prevalent in private schools striving to maintain their reputation. He emphasized the need to strengthen the educational foundation to ensure students are adequately prepared for higher education.
Overcrowding in classrooms, particularly in public schools, also poses a significant challenge. According to a UNICEF report, Nigeria struggles with one of the highest numbers of out-of-school children globally, and schools often admit more students than they can accommodate. This has led to poor teacher-student ratios and limited opportunities for personalized learning.
Experts agree that tackling these issues requires coordinated efforts from education ministries, departments, and agencies to help Nigeria’s students achieve their full potential.