•Affected pupils may miss exams
By Fatimo Bakare
There are indications that a large number of schoolchildren that recently switched classes and school, from private to public school, might not be able to secure academic promotion to junior secondary school.
This is because of the challenges of the Continuous Assessment Score (CASS), which is a key requirement for securing admission into public schools’ terminal classes.
It was also observed that many parents have been withdrawing their children and wards from private schools, opting for tutorial centres that offer more affordable fees as public schools reject them.
To register for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and the West African Senior Secondary School Examination (WASSCE), which are conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) by the National Examinations Council (NECO), respectively, a student is required to provide evidence of CASS, which is uploaded during registration, sadly, many students withdrawn from private schools lack CASS due to inadequate transfer processes.
Daily Sun’s investigations revealed that over 50 per cent of final-year students of private schools might be affected, while about 30 per cent of parents have withdrawn their children from private schools, hence, more than 25 per cent of private schools are facing potential closure due to dwindling enrollment.
Most of the public schools visited in Lagos and Ogun states reported a higher influx of parents seeking admission for their children and wards. A principal of a public school in Igando, Lagos, said that a lot of parents had continued to besiege his school in search of admission opportunities for their children.
He, however, said, “I see no reason to guide or refer them to the appropriate quarters because, if such children are eventually referred to us, we would have no space for them. Most of the parents are coming at a time when admission to terminal classes had closed.
“As a matter of fact, it takes the grace of God for parents to secure admission for their children and wards in final classes such as JSS 3 and SS 3 because CASS reports are usually computed over the three years from JSS 1 to 3 or SSS 1 to 3.
“Also, remember that these children did not enter school through government-conducted common entrance examinations. So they have no record with the central admission authorities. It’s like gaining admission to a university without passing through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).”
A senior official at the Lagos State Ministry of Education, who pleaded anonymity said, “Each public school in the state has its set quota and, once the quota is filled, there is nothing anyone can do. Even when the public schools are willing to absorb these products of private schools, they still face the problem of the poor standard of some of the private schools replicated in their products.
“In most cases, students are arbitrarily promoted in some of the private schools to satisfy the financial commitment of their parents, thereby, compromising standard. For want of money to pay teachers, some private school proprietors engage the services of unqualified teachers who do not have good knowledge of the subjects they teach.”
A recent survey revealed that parents struggle to meet their financial obligations to private schools, thus prompting some institutions to ask the students to stay away from school until payments are made.
Even schools that demonstrated understanding by allowing students to continue classes while awaiting payment are not immune to the effects, as parents view this gesture as merely delaying the inevitable.
Personal accounts from affected parents underscore the desperation. For instance, Mrs. Elizabeth Akinola, a widow, lamented that her income could no longer sustain her two sons’ education at a private school in Ikeja.
Akpan Asuquo, a fabric merchant, also bemoaned the escalating costs, citing a 50 per cent tuition fee increase as the final straw.
Visits to schools in Ogun and Lagos States confirmed widespread absenteeism, with Child Ville College in Sango, nearly empty. Proprietors and principals acknowledged the trend, attributing it to economic pressures.
Dotun Aiyedun, proprietor of My New Dawn College, Abule Egba, remained optimistic, suggesting that localized schools may offer a viable solution by eliminating transportation costs which forms part of the costs incurred by parents on their children education.
However, despite the persistent economic crisis, some private schools claimed to be standing firm in their commitment to quality education, insisting they won’t compromise on standards.
Principals of A & T School, De-Royal Apostle School, and Tredams International School, confirmed that their institutions would not sacrifice excellence, even as the economic downturn affects parents’ ability to pay tuition fees.
“The economic crisis affects every sector, including schools,” said Mr. Olumuyiwa Gabriel, Principal of A & T School. “Many parents are struggling to pay tuition fees, leading to withdrawals. But we have maintained our standards, offering a conducive and effective educational programme.”
De-Royal Apostle School Principal, Mr. James Abighe Simon, added: “We have invested heavily in well-equipped laboratories and libraries to provide a supportive learning environment. Our facilities are designed to foster academic excellence and holistic development.”
On his part, Mr. Dada Folorunsho, Administrator of Tredams International School noted: “Staff salary payments have been challenging due to requests for increment. However, we haven’t increased tuition fees, instead, we introduced entrepreneurial programmes to equip students with practical skills, preparing them for the evolving job market.”