FG to scrap common entrance, track students’ journey with identification number
The Nigerian government plans to eliminate the Junior Secondary School Common Entrance Examination and implement a Learner Identification Number to better track student progress throughout their academic careers.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a significant overhaul of its educational assessment system by scrapping the Junior Secondary School Common Entrance Examination. During a press conference in Lagos, Minister of Education Tunji Alausa emphasized that the proposed reforms aim to enhance educational access and improve the tracking of students' academic journeys. The decision to phase out the common entrance exam corresponds with a broader strategy to reform the educational assessment process in Nigeria.
Instead of the common entrance examination, a Continuous Assessment (CA) system will be introduced. This new system will monitor a student's performance starting from primary one, creating a comprehensive educational profile that students can carry with them as they transition between schools. This initiative seeks to streamline educational progression and provide a more accurate reflection of a pupil's capabilities, addressing existing challenges in the transition from primary to secondary education.
The implementation of the learner identification number is set to play a crucial role in ensuring that students are systematically tracked throughout their schooling. This reform aims to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles that may hinder children’s educational progress and enhances the understanding of individual student needs among educators. Overall, these changes are intended to foster a more effective and inclusive educational environment in Nigeria.