NEDC Initiates Program To Lower Secondary School Dropout Rates And Enhance Academic Achievement

NEDC Initiates Program To Lower Secondary School Dropout Rates And Enhance Academic Achievement

The NorthEast Development Commission (NEDC) has launched a program aimed at reducing secondary school dropout rates and improving enrollment in the subregion, which currently stands at a low 15 percent……….CONTINUE READING

Speaking at the launch of the Accelerated Senior Secondary Education Programme (ASSEP) in Bauchi on Saturday, NEDC MD/CEO Mohammed Goni Alkali highlighted the urgent need to address this issue.

Alkali noted that while primary education completion rates in the subregion are at 85 percent, secondary school enrollment lags significantly at 15 percent, making it the second worst in the nation. He attributed this to several challenges in post-primary education, including poor performance in JAMB UTME applications and admissions, with northeast students ranking among the lowest in the country.

He further explained that the NE subregion faces severe shortages in teaching staff, with the highest percentage (55%) of available teachers lacking basic literacy skills.

“The Accelerated Senior Secondary Education Programme (ASSEP) we are launching today aims to tackle a specific challenge in our region’s education system. It will offer critical support where traditional schooling falls short, benefiting our numerous students,” Alkali stated.

He emphasized the importance of this initiative, describing it as a crucial step toward empowering the youth of the North-East to excel and contribute significantly to the development of their states, the region, the country, and beyond.

“We are marking a historic moment for the North-East today. This event, though modest, represents a significant opportunity to improve the lives and prospects of our people and enhance their socio-economic standing in the future,” he added.

Alkali also pointed out that the challenges in post-primary education include poor infrastructure, inadequate personnel, and a significant gap between demand and supply, influenced by economic and cultural factors.

He elaborated that enhancing the quality and scope of secondary education is essential for human capital development. The ASSEP aims to improve the post-primary education landscape in the NE region through three main objectives: increasing tertiary institution enrollment, enhancing skills development, and improving teacher quality.

The ASSEP will focus on raising awareness about post-secondary opportunities and the potential for dedicated students to achieve success and become prominent contributors to the NE Region and Nigeria.

According to Vanguard, the ASSEP will emphasize Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and communication, which are crucial for fostering creativity and critical thinking. The program will motivate and inspire young people to innovate and learn through inquiry-based tasks.

Key components of ASSEP include quiz competitions, examination coaching (with one ASSEP Centre in each of the 18 Senatorial Districts designated as “NEDC Centre of Excellence in Senior Secondary Education”), virtual instruction, and teacher quality upgrades.

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