For any government serious about delivering quality education to the citizenry, strict monitoring of examinations is vital to expected high outcomes.
With this in mind, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), through the Education Resource Centre (ERC) of its Education Secretariat, demonstrated its commitment to promoting excellence, quality assurance, and integrity in public examinations by monitoring the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) English Language Paper across selected schools in the Territory.
English Language subject is crucially essential for further academic attainments of students as higher institutions locally and internationally demand at least a Credit score for courses to be studied there.
The monitoring exercise was led by the Director, ERC, Dr. Neemat Daud Abdulrahim, alongside the Director, Department of Quality Assurance, Hajiya Titilayo Hajara Alayande.
The team visited both public and private schools, including centres operating Computer-Based Examination (CBE) and Paper-and-Pencil Testing (PPT) systems.
Among the schools visited were Government Secondary School (GSS), Garki, and Olumawu School, Wuse II, where the conduct of the examination was observed to be orderly and seamless.
Examination materials and questions were delivered promptly, enabling candidates to commence the examination as scheduled.
Speaking during the exercise, Dr. Abdulrahim stated that the monitoring was conducted as part of the statutory responsibilities of the Education Secretariat to ensure strict compliance with examination guidelines, uphold the credibility of the examination process, and provide candidates with a conducive environment for optimal performance.
She expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the examination in the schools visited, noting that candidates displayed a high level of seriousness while examination officials discharged their duties with professionalism and commitment.
Dr. Abdulrahim explained that FCTA places high premium on quality education and examination integrity, adding that the level of compliance observed across the schools was commendable.
She said: “The examination halls were orderly, invigilators were diligent, and candidates conducted themselves in accordance with the rules and regulations governing the examination.”
Dr. Abdulrahim further noted that the conducive learning and examination environment currently enjoyed by students across FCT is a direct reflection of the massive investments being made in the education sector by Minister of FCT, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike.
Dwelling on visible impact of the Minister’s work in the critical sector, she explained that the ongoing renovation, rehabilitation, and upgrading of educational facilities across the Territory have significantly enhanced teaching and learning, while also providing students with a more comfortable and enabling environment for examinations and other academic activities.
Also speaking during the exercise, Hajiya Alayande expressed satisfaction with the level of compliance observed in the schools visited.
She emphasized that quality assurance remains a critical component in sustaining public confidence in the education system and ensuring that examination standards are consistently maintained.
Hajiya Alayande commended school administrators, proprietors, principals, teachers, supervisors, and invigilators for their dedication to duty and adherence to established examination guidelines.
She noted that the orderly conduct of the examination and the absence of major irregularities in the schools monitored, were clear indications of the commitment of the Education Secretariat and other stakeholders to upholding examination ethics and best practices.
Both Directors encouraged candidates to remain focused, disciplined, and committed to academic excellence and shun all forms of examination malpractice.
On their part, Principals of the schools visited expressed appreciation to ERC for its sustained monitoring and quality assurance initiatives, which, they noted, have continued to promote high standards across schools in the Territory.
They reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining academic excellence and ensuring full compliance with examination regulations.
Students who interacted with the monitoring team expressed high confidence of success in the examination, attributing it to the dedication of their teachers, intensive revision exercises, and the improved learning environment provided in their schools.
The monitoring exercise forms part of the broader efforts of the FCT ERC and the Education Secretariat to strengthen quality assurance mechanisms, safeguard examination integrity, and ensure that FCT students are adequately equipped for academic success and future leadership responsibilities.
The successful examination monitoring exercise further aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, particularly in the area of human capital development through quality education.
It also reflects the unwavering commitment of Barrister Wike; the Minister of State, FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud; and the Secretary for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, to repositioning the sector through sustained investments in infrastructure, quality assurance, improved learning outcomes, and the promotion of transparency and excellence in the administration of public examinations across the Territory.
*PHOTO CAPTION: A cross section of students inside the examination hall of one of the schools visited.
