The 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party and formal Governor of Anambra State Peter Obi, has expressed worry concerns over the recently released 2024 West African Examinations Council which showed that a 7.69 per cent decrease in the performance of candidates who sat for the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination in Nigeria.
Recall that the West African examination body in a Statement on Monday, August 12, announced the release of the results for the 2024 WASSCE.
Obi had in a statement through his X handle on Monday, August 19, 2024 said the decline is a call to reminder of the country’s insufficient investment in sectors such as education, health, and poverty alleviation.
While citing the WAEC report, he said, “Compared to last year’s 79.81 per cent, WAEC said the percentage of candidates who obtained credits and above in a minimum of five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics this year, is 72.12 per cent.”
The presidential aspirant highlighted that the decrease in educational performance, as well as other critical areas, requires prompt attention and action.
Obi further stated that Nigeria's literacy rate, which, despite being stated to be higher than 50%, places the country at 187 on the global literacy scale, adding that it “reflects a visible lack of commitment to education in the country.”
The former governor also condemned the allocation of funds to the education sector, noting that the total capital expenditure for the entire education sector, including the Universal Basic Education Commission, was only N330.3 billion.
He pointed out that the allocated amount is woefully insufficient, considering the country's vast educational infrastructure, comprising over 81,520 primary schools and 23,550 secondary schools.“Our investment in education, as with other critical areas, remains poor,” he added.
While making reference to His previous portfolio as governor of Anambra State, Obi buttressed on the improvements made in the state’s educational system under his administration.
“The aggressive investment in education we made in Anambra State greatly transformed education in the State, and still bears fruits to this day,” he said.
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However, he congratulated the students who sat for the 2024 WASSCE, particularly those who achieved impressive results.
“I applaud their efforts, hard work, and dedication to their studies, which paid off,” he added.
He expressed gratitude to the schools, management, staff, and teachers, recognizing their crucial role in fostering educational growth and societal development.
