EDITORIAL: JAMB General Poor Performance And The Cacophony of Android Phone Distractions In Homes

BY TONY OKAFOR

The recent release of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results has sent shockwaves across the nation.

A staggering 1.5 million candidates scored below 200 marks out of 400.

This dismal performance is a glaring indication of a deeper crisis in our education system.

As we grapple with the causes of this mass failure, it is essential to consider the multifaceted nature of the issue.

The proliferation of android phones among children has undoubtedly contributed to a significant shift in their priorities.

Instead of books, many young minds are fed a diet of social media, games, and endless streams of videos.

Research suggests that excessive screen time can lead to decreased attention span, reduced critical thinking skills, and a decline in academic performance.

However, android phones are just one part of the story. The quality of teachers is another critical factor contributing to this debacle.

Many educators today seem more focused on rote memorization and multiple-choice questions than nurturing creativity, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

A study by the National Foundation for Educational Research found that teachers’ lack of subject-specific training and inadequate support can significantly impact student outcomes.

Governments at all levels must also take a hard look at their commitment to education.

Budgetary allocations to the sector are often woefully inadequate, leading to infrastructure decay, inadequate resources, and a lack of support for teachers.

According to UNESCO, Nigeria’s education budget as a percentage of total government expenditure is significantly lower than the recommended benchmark.

The penchant of Nigerian leaders to send their children abroad for studies has left our schools in dire neglect by governments.

Parents, too, have a role to play in this narrative. By providing android phones to their children at a tender age, they may be unwittingly sabotaging their future.

Instead of literature books that spark imagination and learning, children are handed devices that can distract and disable.

In many homes today, family discussions and quality time have given way to screen time. Parents and children alike are often glued to their phones, leaving little room for meaningful conversations or supporting kids with their home lessons. This constant distraction can significantly impact family relationships and academic performance.

Findings suggest that reading for pleasure can significantly improve academic performance, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills.

The shift towards Computer-Based Tests (CBT) in our education system warrants scrutiny. While technology can enhance learning, CBT can also disadvantage students who lack access to computers or adequate training.

Countries like Germany and Finland have implemented CBT in a balanced manner, ensuring that students are well-prepared and have equal access to technology.

Some countries have opted for traditional pen-and-paper assessment methods over Computer-Based Tests (CBT) in certain contexts, citing concerns about its weaknesses, including potential limitations in assessing critical thinking skills and potential biases in test design.

To address these challenges, we need a comprehensive approach that prioritizes quality education, supports teachers, and fosters a love of reading in our children.

This can be achieved by providing educators with subject-specific training, resources, and mentorship to enhance their teaching skills.

Governments should prioritize education and allocate sufficient funds to improve infrastructure, resources, and teacher support.

The JAMB mass failure is a wake-up call for all stakeholders in our education system.

We must work together to create an environment that values knowledge, promotes critical thinking, and nurtures creativity.
By prioritizing quality education and addressing the root causes of this crisis, we can hope to produce a generation of pupils and students who can hold their own in an increasingly competitive world.
The future of our nation depends on it.