In a deeply troubling move, the government has announced that first-year Senior High School (SHS) students are expected to begin school in less than 10 days, despite the fact that many parents are still in the dark about their children’s results or school placements. This sudden decision has triggered widespread anxiety, leaving parents scrambling to prepare under immense pressure. Many parents are contending with poor internet network to check the results of their wards, released over the weekend.
The Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) results were delayed due to the government’s failure to provide timely funding to the West African Examination Council (WAEC). This delay had a ripple effect, as the same examiners were also responsible for the Senior High School exams, further pushing back the marking process. Despite these setbacks, the government has decided to push forward with reopening schools, leaving parents with little time to make necessary preparations.
In previous years, parents had reasonable notice to prepare their children for SHS enrollment. However, in recent times, the notice periods have become increasingly shorter, with this year marking a new low. Parents now have less than two weeks to get their children ready for school, even though the placement process has yet to take place.
The government’s insistence on rushing this process has drawn harsh criticism, as it leaves parents with virtually no time to gather essential information, such as the school prospectus, and to purchase necessary items for their children. This rushed preparation is expected to lead to price hikes as traders exploit the situation, further burdening already financially strained families.
The situation has raised serious concerns about the government’s disregard for the hardships parents are facing, and the lack of a more thoughtful, transparent approach to handling the education system in these challenging times.
Source:thehighstreetjournal.com