Executive director for Institute of Education Studies (IFEST), Dr Peter Anti, has expressed disappointment in the waning standards of Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) across the country.

According to him, the decline can be attributed to various reforms government continues to undertake at the basic education level. He revealed that these reforms as much as they are very well designed, stakeholders have not been able to translate these reforms into improving the learning outcomes of students.

Dr Anti indicated that this is very important because, reforms are supposed to lead to a specific end and improve learning outcomes. In light of this, he noted that if after certain kinds of reforms, there aren’t much tangible transformation and improvement in teaching and learning that will lead to some show of improvement in academic achievement of students, then there is the need for government and stakeholders to sit back and reconsider how effective these reforms are and have been.

“I talk to a lot of teachers, and it seems to suggest that the standards are going down, and this is supported by teachers that are handling students in senior high schools. So, ideally, if you want to look at the quality of students that are going to the university, you listen to the lecturers that are handling them in level 100. So, if you listen to the teachers that are handling students in SHS 1, they will tell you that the quality of students that are coming in now, seem to be a little problematic…”
Dr Peter Anti

Further justifying his stance, Dr Anti highlighted that from the grapevine, it is evident that the performance of students comparatively seems to be going down. This, he stated, can also be linked to pressure that “is so much on getting a good school and not getting a school”.

“So, people who are not so much bothered by certain things will not want to stress themselves out… Now, the point is to get something and move on to the next level. So, it’s all part of the dynamics that seems to influence the standards of performance that students are exhibiting at this time.”
Dr Peter Anti

Addressing issues of examination malpractices

On the issue of examination malpractices, the IFEST executive director revealed that such practices can be reduced to the barest minimum but is going to be very difficult eradicating it. He explained that it’s a very complex issue and there is the need for all actors within the space to play their role in ensuring sanctity during BECE examination.

“So, I read some notice from other education offices encouraging invigilators and supervisors to search students… Parents, teachers, invigilators, school authorities and everyone should play their role. If we are able to do this, if we decide to be an honest country that are training honest people, then, we will be able to get over this.”
Dr Peter Anti

Dr Anti indicated that examination malpractice is more of a societal challenge now, especially when parents desire their wards get the best school and find ways and means to achieve that. Also, he indicated that certain schools, especially private schools, use the performance of their students in BECE as a big marketing tool, as such, if they are not able to get 100%, it becomes problematic.

“But if you are able to achieve that, then a lot of people will be bringing their wards to schools. So, those authorities would want to find ways and means to get questions for their students…”
Dr Peter Anti