STATISTICS: Another Mass Failure Over 2012 WASSCE?

• 62 % candidates fail to obtain 5 credits with English and Maths 
• 47, 289 results withheld over exam fraud

The run of poor performance in public examinations by Nigerian students continued as only 37.97 per cent, representing 150, 615 candidates, out of 413, 266 candidates, that sat for the November/December 2012 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) obtained credits in five subjects and above, which include English Language and Mathematics.

Also, no fewer than 62.03 per cent candidates, representing 262, 651 candidates, failed to secure credits in five subjects and above, including English Language and Mathematics. By implication of the November/December 2012 WASSCE results, the 150, 615 (37.97 per cent) candidates that secured credits in five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, are qualified to apply or use the results for admission into tertiary institutions.

Announcing the release of the private candidate examination at its Yaba headquarters, in Lagos yesterday, the new Head of Nigeria National Office (HNO), Nigeria WAEC, Mr. Charles M. Eguridu, disclosed that the results of 47, 289 candidates are being withheld for their involvement in alleged examination malpractice. Giving the breakdown of the results, Mr. Eguridu, said 406, 108 candidates, representing 98.27 per cent, had full results released while 7, 158 others, representing 1.73 per cent, also had a few of their subjects still being processed due to some errors caused by the candidates during registration or writing the examination.

The new HNO further explained that out of the total number of candidates that wrote the exam, 161, 706 candidates (40.77per cent) obtained six credits and above, while 268, 688 others (67.74 per cent) got four credits and above. He also said that 309.706 candidates (78.10 per cent) scored credits and above in three subjects, while 343, 352 candidates (86.57 per cent) recorded credits and above in two subjects.

Eguridu stressed that a total of 259, 259 candidates (66.99 per cent) obtained credit and above in English Language and 226, 608 candidates (59.06 per cent) got credit and above in Mathematics. According to him, a comparative analysis of candidates’ performance in November/December 2010-2012 WASSCE revealed that there is an improvement in candidates’ performance. In November/December 2010 WASSCE, only 74, 700 per cent obtained credit in five subjects and above, including English Language and Mathematics.

For November/December 2011 WASSCE, only 139, 827 per cent did, while for the exam in 2012, only 150,615 per cent did. “There is a slight improvement in candidates’ performance in the November/December diet of examinations because government has provided infrastructure in schools while teaching and learning by teachers has equally improved,” the HNO observed. The boss explained that 47, 289 candidates’ results, representing 11.04 per cent, are being withheld in connection with various cases of examination malpractice against them, noting: “Such cases are being investigated and reports of the investigations will be presented to the Nigerian Examination Committee (NEC) of the council for consideration.”

He disclosed that 49 blind candidates took the examination, out of which 23 of them, representing 46.93 per cent obtained credits in five subjects, including English Language, stressing: “Blind candidates do not sit for Mathematics and Science practical in WASSCE diets.” Eguridu said the coordination meetings and marking of the candidates’ answer scripts for the November/December 2012 WASSCE took place between October and November 18 at 40 marking venues. He used the occasion to appreciate and laud staff of the council for their diligence and dedication to duty during and after the private candidates’ exam.

The HNO decried the incidence of exam fraud and warned that the menace must be checked at all cost “if expect our educational sector to regain not only its past glory, but also improve and compete with those of other nations.” He urged stakeholders, including the media, to partner WAEC in the fight against examination malpractice in the country, noting: “As apart of our efforts to check examination fraud, the council is in the process of introducing biometric features in its registration process for examination.”

Source: Sun News