Lack Of Funding Cited As Cause Of Poor WAEC Results By Obi

Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has attributed students’ poor performance in the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) exams to inadequate government funding of the education sector. He highlighted that the recent 7.69 percent decline in Nigerian students’ performance in the 2024 WAEC exams underscores the persistent underinvestment in education, health, and poverty alleviation.

In a statement released on Monday, Obi remarked, “The West African Examinations Council’s announcement of a 7.69 percent decrease in the performance of candidates for the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) points to a troubling lack of investment in key developmental areas, including education. This consistent decline in educational outcomes necessitates immediate action.”

He pointed out that despite Nigeria’s claimed literacy rate of over 50%, the country ranks 187th globally in literacy, highlighting a significant disconnect between educational claims and reality. Obi criticized the government’s capital expenditure for the education sector, which amounted to N330.3 billion, describing it as inadequate given the large number of primary and secondary schools in the country.

Obi also encouraged current governments to follow his example of investing in education during his tenure as governor of Anambra State. He congratulated students who excelled in the 2024 WAEC exams, praising their dedication and hard work. He extended his appreciation to the schools, management, staff, and teachers, acknowledging their vital role in educational development.

“During my administration in Anambra State, our substantial investment in education led to significant improvements that continue to benefit the state. I congratulate