The National Examinations Council (NECO) has announced the release of the 2024 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) external results, revealing a mixed performance amid widespread malpractice. Naija247news gathered that 14 examination centers in Ogun and Oyo States have been blacklisted for their involvement in irregularities, raising concerns about the integrity of the process.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!According to Naija247news, the Registrar of NECO, Professor Dantani Wushishi, disclosed the results during a press briefing in Minna, Niger State. He revealed that a total of 74,950 candidates registered for the examination, with 71,459 sitting for the tests. While 52.28% of candidates scored five credits and above, including in English and Mathematics, the results were marred by cases of malpractice.
Naija247news understands that the blacklisted centers were found guilty of offenses ranging from mass cheating to impersonation and collusion with supervisors. “These centers have been de-recognized, and their supervisors will face sanctions. We are committed to maintaining the credibility of our examinations,” Professor Wushishi stated.
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions among stakeholders. While some have praised NECO for its swift action against malpractice, others have called for stricter measures to prevent future occurrences. “This is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to safeguard the integrity of our educational system,” said a parent in an interview with Naija247news.
Naija247news reports that the affected candidates from the blacklisted centers will have their results withheld pending further investigation. This move, according to NECO, is part of efforts to ensure that only deserving candidates are rewarded for their hard work.
Meanwhile, education experts have urged the government to address the root causes of examination malpractice, including inadequate preparation and pressure on students to perform. “We need to focus on improving the quality of education and providing better support for students,” said an education consultant in a statement to Naija247news.
As the 2024 SSCE external results are released, the blacklisting of 14 centers serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Nigeria’s education sector. Naija247news will continue to monitor developments and provide updates on the ongoing investigations. For now, the focus remains on ensuring that the integrity of the examination process is upheld.