Are Liberian Students Prepared for WASSCE? Calls for Government and Stakeholders to Boost Confidence and Exam Results

 


Introduction: As approximately 50,000 senior high school students in Liberia gear up to sit the West African Schools Senior Certificate Exams (WASSCE), concerns have been raised by the National Association of Liberia School Principals (NALSP) regarding the readiness of students and the need for improved support from the government and other stakeholders. In this blog post, we will explore the challenges faced by Liberian students in the WASSCE exams and the calls for action to enhance their chances of success.

 

Body: 

  1. Historical Performance Gap: Liberia has consistently ranked as the least performing country in WASSCE compared to its counterparts like Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia. It is essential to address this gap and work towards improving Liberia's educational outcomes.
  2. Systematic Issues and Negligence: NALSP highlights that while some of the problems are systematic, the negligence of the Ministry of Education (MOE), West African Examinations Council (WAEC), and school administrators exacerbates the situation. Timely payment of WAEC fees by the government and the distribution of necessary exam materials have been persistently delayed. 
  3. Government's Responsibility: The Liberian government's failure to pay WAEC fees on time not only tarnishes the country's national prestige but also affects the administration of the exams. The delayed payment hampers effective planning and forces Liberia to adopt unconventional means, such as printing its own exams and importing materials from sister countries.
  4. Impact on Students' Performance: The delayed distribution of exam materials, particularly the Customized Mathematical Set (CMS), directly affects students' performance. The CMS is an essential tool for taking the exams, and students entering the exam halls without the approved instruments experience psychological distress. Timely distribution and ensuring that participating schools collect and keep the materials safe for future use are crucial. 
  5. Collaboration and Responsibility: NALSP emphasizes the importance of collaboration and responsibility among stakeholders. The government should allocate sufficient funds in the national fiscal budget to meet its obligations to WAEC. Additionally, school authorities should prioritize technological awareness when hiring administrators and teachers, and timely registration of candidates should be ensured. 
  6. Spreading Messages of Peace: As the October 10 elections approach, NALSP urges school administrators to prioritize spreading messages of peace among students and parents. Assemblies, civics classes, and discussions on topics like drug abuse should be utilized to create awareness and foster a peaceful environment. 

Conclusion: To improve Liberian students' performance in WASSCE, it is crucial for the government, MOE, WAEC, and school administrators to address the systemic issues and negligence that have hindered progress in the past. Timely payment of fees, distribution of exam materials, and technological awareness among educators are essential factors for boosting students' confidence and improving exam results. By working together and prioritizing the educational needs of students, Liberia can strive for excellence in WASSCE and create a brighter future for its youth. 

Just So You Know, Blogger We Inside! My Name Ohoro! GTWOR

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