In a bid to tackle moral decay and standardize enrollment processes in Osun State secondary schools, especially at the Senior Secondary level, students may soon undergo psychological tests. The Osun Education Summit committee has expressed concern about the rising indiscipline and challenges in transitioning students from Junior Secondary to Senior Secondary.
Observing issues such as lateness to school, improper dressing, cultism, and instances of students assaulting teachers in public schools, the committee recommends a comprehensive psychological test for all students in the state. The committee emphasizes a need to move away from relying solely on Basic Education Certificate Examinations (BECE) results for student placement.
The key recommendations from the committee include:
Abolishing Examinations Hindering Transitions:
All examinations impeding smooth transitions at basic levels should be abolished.
After BECE examinations, entrance examinations to Senior Secondary I (SSI) should only occur in special science schools.
Psychological Tests for Student Placement:
Student placement from Junior Secondary III to Senior Secondary I should not solely depend on BECE results.
Psychological tests, conducted by trained Counselling Psychologists and Guidance Counsellors, should complement BECE results for accurate student placement.
Addressing Teacher Quality and Discipline:
High levels of indiscipline among teachers, including absenteeism and irregular class attendance, need immediate attention.
The interference by the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) in teacher appointments, transfers, and postings should be addressed.
Rural schools face challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and a shortage of teachers. The seniority list in the promotion of teachers needs reinstatement.
Restoring Discipline Among Students:
Students harassing teachers should face expulsion and be blacklisted from admission in the state.
Principals and teachers should have the freedom to instill discipline in students.
The restoration of moral instruction in school assemblies is recommended.
Utilization of School Facilities:
The underutilization of classrooms in Mega Schools is highlighted, with recommendations to address this issue.
Inadequate logistics for school inspections, insecurity due to the lack of perimeter fences, and insufficient security personnel are identified challenges.
Enhancing School Monitoring:
Local and zonal inspectors should conduct their inspectorate functions without hindrance from principals.
An independent school monitoring group should be established to oversee teaching and learning activities in schools.
Collaboration with academics from faculties of education in universities for objective and effective school monitoring is encouraged.
The proposed measures aim to foster discipline, improve teacher quality, and enhance the overall educational environment in Osun State.
