Yemisi Izuora
Jeunesse Youth Empowerment Initiative (JYE Initiative) has commended the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) for the decision to reopen exit classes on August 4.
The group also called on the Ministry to take a holistic approach; ensure inclusiveness, accountability and transparency in managing the education sector during this pandemic.
According to a statement issued in Lagos and signed by its Team Lead, Mr Ridwan Sulaimon, the organisation said: “While the decision to reopen schools for exist classes is commendable, it raises pertinent questions and poses some other challenges for the education sector generally. Therefore, the Ministry should not only communicate its decisions, but also proactively provide rationale for such decisions and the plan to cushion the effects of the decision in other areas of the sector. This will enable better feedback process and effective planning by all stakeholders.”
Mr Sulaimon said: “Although we appreciate the fact that delaying SSCE for instance till another year may impact negatively on the results as such exam which covers virtually everything learnt in secondary school is better written when the knowledge is still fresh. However, with the daily reported cases of COVID-19, students who have lost about half a session already may end up losing another half, thus implying that they may end up remaining in their current class after a year, while those in the exit classes would have moved up in the ladder.
The organization added that: “The education sector needs to be approached holistically during this critical time and there is no easy way out. Government should not be found addressing problems only as it comes without putting the whole sector and the bigger picture in perspectives. Transparency, accountability and inclusiveness especially during this pandemic situation is more in the interest of the duty bearers as it helps to build the needed trust among the right bearers and other stakeholders.
It also enables effective feedback processes that would aid the government in solving problems. To successfully manage the education sector through this pandemic without creating another crisis post COVID-19, the FME needs to be more forthcoming with transparency, accountability and inclusiveness.”