By Sharon Emephia
Schools across the Federal Capital Territory have applauded the ongoing education reforms spearheaded by the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike (CON), as the Education Resource Centre (ERC) intensifies monitoring of the ongoing SSC Mock Examinations in Mathematics.
The commendation came during the inspection of schools by the Director of ERC, Dr. Neemat Daud Abdulrahim, alongside the Director, Department of Quality Assurance, Hajia Titilayo Hajara Alayande, as part of efforts to ensure strict compliance with examination standards and zero tolerance for malpractice.
Speaking during the monitoring exercise, the Director of Royal Family Academy, Ms. Olubunmi Ayeni, described the ERC Mock Examination as a highly impactful initiative that has consistently helped schools assess students’ preparedness for external examinations.
In her words, “The Mock Examination has been very helpful to us since inception. That is why we participate year in, year out. The questions are of WAEC standard, and ERC is doing a very good job,”
According to her, the school utilizes the results to carefully analyse students’ strengths and shortcomings, allowing teachers to intensify efforts and align instruction with required standards. She added that as a law-abiding institution, the school remains fully compliant with government policies and directives.
Ms. Ayeni further called on other private schools yet to key into the ERC initiative to join hands in raising the standard of examinations across the FCT.
Speaking earlier, the Director of ERC, Dr. Abdulrahim, explained that monitoring the mock examination is part of the Centre’s core mandate to ensure that examinations are conducted in conducive environments, with properly vetted question papers that meet approved standards.
She noted that the steady increase in participation by private schools reflects the credibility and standard of the ERC mock examinations. She commended the orderly conduct observed in the schools visited.
Dr. Abdulrahim also highlighted that the ongoing renovation of school facilities by the Honourable Minister has significantly boosted students’ morale, as examination halls are now more comfortable and conducive for learning and assessment.
In her remarks, Hajia Alayande reaffirmed the commitment of the Department of Quality Assurance to safeguarding examination integrity. She commended the Director ERC and her team for sustaining a high-quality mock examination process that prepares students effectively for WAEC and NECO Examinations.
She expressed satisfaction with the facilities provided under the Minister’s leadership and praised teachers for their dedication, noting that students displayed confidence and seriousness throughout the exercise.
Principals of the various schools visited described the ERC Mock Examination as a dependable benchmark for measuring students’ readiness for external examinations.
According to them, there were timely distribution of question papers, hitch-free conduct, and conducive examination environments.
They also appreciated Barrister Wike for the renovation of their schools and assured the FCT Administration of their commitment to maintaining the upgraded facilities.
On their part, the Students expressed confidence in their preparedness, attributing their readiness to extra lessons organised by their teachers and personal study efforts pledging to shun examination malpractice and remain focused on academic excellence to make their parents and school proud.
Schools visited during the monitoring exercise include Government Science Technical College, Area 3, Government Secondary School, Garki, Government Science Secondary School, Maitama, and Royal Family Academy, Wuye, among others.
It should be noted that the ongoing monitoring exercise further boost the FCT Administration’s commitment to strengthening academic standards and ensuring students are adequately prepared to excel in their external examinations.
