As the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) approach, the Lagos State Government is actively bolstering the morale and preparedness of its students. Through the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, a strong message of confidence and strategic support is being conveyed to candidates, emphasising that thorough preparation coupled with the right mindset paves the way for success.
The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, underscored the pivotal role of a positive mindset and self-assurance in navigating the pressures of external examinations.
He stated that cultivating this mental fortitude will be instrumental in helping students effectively manage exam stress and ultimately enhance their performance in the upcoming crucial assessments. To further empower students, the State Government has proactively launched initiatives such as the ‘Eko Learners’ Support Programme,’ a collaborative effort with private sector stakeholders strategically designed to equip students with the necessary tools and resources to achieve outstanding results in these external examinations.
A key component of the government’s strategy involves the revitalization of school-based activities that are vital for nurturing both the physical and mental well-being of students. This includes a renewed emphasis on co-curricular activities, recognising their importance in fostering holistic development.
Furthermore, in a direct effort to elevate student performance, Principals and Vice Principals are now mandated to dedicate six to eight periods per week to direct teaching, ensuring experienced leadership actively contributes to academic improvement.
Commissioner Alli-Balogun further elaborated on the implementation of dynamic and engaging interactive learning strategies designed to provide comprehensive support to students. These methods incorporate hands-on activities, practical experiments, and stimulating projects, reflecting the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to the advancement of education across Lagos State.
Highlighting the significance of technology in modern learning, the Commissioner also drew attention to the dedicated e-learning platform specifically developed to assist final-year students in achieving academic excellence in their major examinations.
He concluded by urging all students to dedicate their utmost effort to their studies and to firmly resist any involvement in examination malpractices.
The ‘Eko Learners’ Support initiative is built upon several key pillars designed for maximum impact. Firstly, it offers a comprehensive suite of 320 meticulously crafted lessons spanning 10 core subjects: English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Economics, Government, History, Literature-in-English, and Yoruba Language.
These vital lessons are readily accessible to students through broadcasts on Lagos Television (LTV) and various social media platforms, ensuring widespread reach and convenience.
Secondly, the initiative boasts a team of highly proficient teachers who were selected through a rigorous and thorough screening process, guaranteeing quality instruction. Finally, all lesson content has been carefully developed in strict adherence to the Lagos State Government-approved Scheme of Work and the official WASSCE and NECO syllabi, ensuring relevance and alignment with examination requirements.
Through these multifaceted efforts, the Lagos State Government aims to cultivate a supportive and enabling environment that fosters impressive academic outcomes for all students and ultimately elevates the overall standards of education within the state.
