Edo Govt Urges Private Schools to Align with Education Reforms, Emphasizes Mandatory Examinations and Enrollments

The Edo State Government is calling on private school operators to join forces with the government in its efforts to reform the education system. It emphasizes that the directive on establishing dedicated centers for First School Leaving Certificate and Basic School Certificate Examination for all schools in the state still remains.

Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehekhare, stated that Governor Godwin Obaseki has directed the immediate enforcement of a series of educational policies aimed at sustaining the progress made in the state’s education sector.

Nehekhare further explained that as per a resolution from the State Executive Council, every school in Edo must now administer Primary Six and Basic Education Certificate Examinations (BECE)/Junior Secondary School Examination moving forward.

The Council also declared that, in order for a school to operate in the state, the Edo State Government must be able to assess every learner and determine if they meet the required learning proficiency.

The deadline for enrollment for the primary six and JSS 3 examinations has been set for December 30th, 2022. The examinations will take place in the second term, specifically in March 2023, allowing the Ministry of Education enough time to mark and place students in the next grade.

Nehekhare emphasized that students must attend the third term in order to be awarded certificates. Basic Education Examinations and Junior Secondary School Examinations will no longer be conducted at schools but at designated centers. The Ministry of Education will actively pursue biometric capturing of all students and the issuance of student identity cards.

The commissioner highlighted that there will be a strict enforcement of minimum land size for schools and that a four-bedroom flat apartment will no longer be considered a school. Enrolling students in unregistered schools will lead to a ban on the offending private school, and students’ enrollment for primary six and Basic Education Certificate Examinations or Junior Secondary School Examination will count towards tax review.

Nehekhare expressed concern over certain unscrupulous private school owners resorting to mudslinging due to the state government’s commitment to eliminate “miracle centers” where proprietors exploit examination candidates for financial gain.

Regarding a video released by individuals claiming to be private school owners in the state, the commissioner stated, “The video was an ambush on the government as it was a weak attempt at blackmailing the Ministry of Education from enforcing the educational policies. We want the people of Edo to know that everything the State Government is doing in the education sector is not only for the benefit of parents but for the benefit of all Edo people, especially our children. We are proud to say that in the last West African Examination Council (WAEC) examination, Edo State was adjudged the best state. This is a result of the reforms we have implemented in the education sector. However, these reforms cannot be comprehensive if they are restricted only to government schools or only government-controlled schools. That’s why we are also aiming to bring private schools into the same ecosystem to ensure uniform standards of education across the board.”