The persistent decline in performance in the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations has once again sparked widespread concern over the state of Nigeria’s education sector.
An award-winning educationist, Mr Jesuteke Prosper, has described the trend as “disheartening” and called for urgent, coordinated efforts to address the root causes of the crisis.
In an interview with Pointblank News, Prosper likened the current state of the education system to “a bird whose beauty is judged by its plumage”, now tarnished by years of neglect.
“What we are seeing did not start today,” he said. “The drift began long ago, and no serious attempt was made to block the flow.”
Prosperity identified systemic failures and societal values as the major drivers of poor outcomes. He pointed to students’ declining commitment to learning, driven by unhealthy internet habits, irresponsible parenting, and the pervasive “get-rich-quick” mentality.
“Let us be honest: the obsession with the internet for the wrong reasons, parents’ abdication of responsibilities, and the ‘get-rich-quick syndrome’ are among the major reasons behind the poor outcomes in JAMB,” he said.
He lamented that popular phrases like “school na scam” and “who school help?” are now commonly used among youths, even in the presence of adults, revealing a more profound crisis in the perception of formal education.
“These expressions reflect a disturbing decline in the perception of formal learning,” he noted, adding that technology, rather than deepening understanding, is often used to skim and skip through knowledge.
While acknowledging the efforts of the Federal Ministry of Education, Prosper said JAMB itself was not without blame. He cited recurring technical failures during examinations, including system shutdowns, which he said continue to frustrate candidates and undermine the board’s credibility.
“JAMB must take responsibility for its lapses. Many students are discouraged when technical issues waste their efforts,” he said.
On the issue of cut-off marks, Prosper dismissed claims that reduced standards were the cause of poor performance. Instead, he argued, “It is the other way around. The poor results led to the reduction in cut-off marks, not the reverse.”
Calling for a total overhaul of the sector, he stressed that quality education requires substantial funding, well-paid teachers, and learning environments that foster genuine curiosity and development.
He also criticised the politicisation of education, citing the practice of distributing free JAMB forms without addressing the deeper issues within schools.
“It is insensitive to hand out free forms when students lack basic learning tools or safe environments,” he said.
Prosper urged parents not to abandon their roles, emphasising the importance of closely monitoring their children’s academic progress.
“Money is important, but so is your presence and guidance,” he said.
Encouraging his fellow educators, he said teachers must innovate and bring lessons to life.
“Make your lessons come alive. Spark curiosity. Be passionate,” he urged.
His message to students was equally direct: “School is not a scam. Education is still the key. Do not be swayed by peers chasing shortcuts. Study hard, stay focused, and your efforts will pay off.”
Prosper also appealed to the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, to urgently address the recurring challenges candidates face during the examinations. He raised concerns about the 6 a.m. start time for some JAMB examinations, citing safety risks in areas with heightened insecurity.
“Given the insecurity in parts of Nigeria, many parents are understandably worried about their children travelling so early,” he said.
As Nigeria grapples with another wave of mass failure in national examinations, education stakeholders like Prosper are amplifying calls for a genuine reawakening and meaningful investment in the sector.
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