The Executive Secretary of the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC), Dr. Iyela Ajayi, has indicated that 40 per cent of candidates in this year’s National Examination Council (NECO) exams may not qualify for tertiary education due to a lack of Credits in Mathematics and English Language.
Speaking in Calabar, Cross River State, at a five-day training workshop for select English and Mathematics teachers from the South-South region, Ajayi shared that only about 61 per cent of NECO candidates achieved five Credits or more, including in Mathematics and English, while 40 per cent were unable to secure Credits in these key subjects.
He further noted that the 2024 West African Examination Council (WAEC) results showed similar challenges, with approximately 28 per cent of students failing to secure credits in both English and Mathematics, potentially limiting their access to higher education.
Ajayi emphasised that while infrastructure and modern curricula are valuable, they cannot advance the education sector without well-trained teachers who implement these resources effectively.
“There is a clear issue with both the quality and quantity of teachers in Nigeria. For this reason, the commission prioritises ongoing training for teachers, especially in Mathematics and English. Teachers are crucial to any educational system. Neglecting their training and motivation undermines education and has negative consequences,” Ajayi stated.
He explained that over the next five days, the workshop would help teachers enhance their teaching methods, develop assessment skills, and foster collaborative networks.
In opening the workshop, Cross River State Education Commissioner Stephen Odey, represented by Permanent Secretary Emmanuel Ikade, highlighted the significance of this training for the state, noting that financial constraints had prevented many teachers from receiving professional development since their initial employment.
He encouraged participating teachers to share their new knowledge with colleagues unable to attend.
Professor Samuel Nneji, a resource person from the Enugu State University of Science and Technology’s Department of Mathematics and Computer Science Education, shared that the workshop aims to create innovative teachers capable of adapting in challenging teaching environments.
He added that teachers need new skills, as older methods are no longer as effective, and called for creative strategies that can enhance student learning.
