MINESEC delegate rubbishes primary school end-of-course exams

From Michael Ndi in Bamnda
 
The regional delegate of secondary education for the North West, Shey George Sunjo, has lashed out at primary school end of course examination ending in class six unlike the previous seven years course.
Talking at the sector conference marking the launch of the 2014/2015 academic year in the North West region, Shey Sunjo regretted that primary school pupils, who went for admission interviews into secondary schools this year, were unable to even spell or write their names. His disclosure followed when principals said most of the primary school pupils when interviewed, said their teachers wrote both Common Entrance and First School Leaving Certificate Examination for them.
The regional delegate wished that secondary education be involved in running both Common Entrance and First School Leaving Certificate, FSLC examinations, given that those exams prepare pupils for secondary education. He attributed the dismal performance of this year’s G.C.E Ordinary Level results to the falling standard of education at the basic level.
Harping on some unacceptable practices in secondary schools, Shey George Sunjo pointed out cases of some school administrators who have relent on stringency in supervision of teacher; hence the rampant absenteeism and the near rebellious attitude of young teachers who refused to take teaching appointments in rural areas.
Besides, Shey Sunjo cited the case of many teachers who tend to rely too much on old notes, turning down opportunities for research and the fact that principals, their vices and discipline masters do not teach amidst shortage of teachers.
The inspector general at the North West governor’s office, Charles Makoge Ivo, who represented Governor Adolf Lele L’Afrique, observed that the poor results recorded at the G.C.E Ordinary level this year was caused by a lot of absenteeism amongst the teachers.  He cautioned the teachers to desist from such malevolent practices before warning that woe betides such teachers this academic year.
Makoge Ivo equally enjoined the teachers to be aware of Ebola, Cholera and poor sanitation, stressing much on vigilance most especially as the dreaded Boko Haram is around.