Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has expressed dismay over the recent West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results, which indicate a decline in student performance.
News About Nigeria reported that the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) released the results on August 12, revealing a 7.69% drop in student performance compared to the previous year.
According to WAEC’s Head of Nigerian Organisation, Amos Dangut, a significant number of candidates failed to obtain credits in core subjects, including mathematics and English language.
Obi, in a statement on August 19, described the decline as a wake-up call for Nigeria to invest more in critical sectors like education, healthcare, and poverty reduction.
He referenced the WAEC report, noting a significant decrease in the percentage of candidates who achieved credits in five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, from 79.81% last year to 72.12% this year.
Obi said that this decline in educational performance requires urgent attention and action, highlighting Nigeria’s low global ranking in literacy rates despite claims of over 50% literacy.
He criticised the meager allocation of funds to the education sector, pointing out that the total capital expenditure for education is a mere N330.3 billion, inadequate for a country with numerous schools.
The former governor of Anambra cited the transformative impact of investing in education, which led to significant improvements in the state’s educational system.
He commended students who excelled in the 2024 WASSCE, acknowledging their hard work and dedication to their studies.
Obi also appreciated the efforts of schools, staff, and teachers, recognising their vital role in shaping the future of Nigerian society.
