Angry Parents in Ekiti Demand Probe of Education Ministry Over Mass Failure in Common Entrance Exam

Parents of students who sat for the recent common entrance exam into secondary schools in Ekiti State are urging Governor Biodun Oyebanji to investigate the state’s Ministry of Education for allegedly mishandling the exam process.

The parents are calling for a Panel of Inquiry to look into the “questionable mass failure” in the exam held on July 1 and 3 and are demanding an audit and re-marking of their children’s answer scripts.

The widespread failure and the delayed release of results have caused frustration and anxiety in both public and private schools, with parents criticizing the poor handling of the situation.

The controversy was a major topic in schools across Ado Ekiti and nearby towns, where some parents are threatening protests if a resolution isn’t found, as the uncertainty affects their children’s future.

Results were finally released on Tuesday, September 17, the same day schools resumed, leaving many common entrance candidates uncertain about their placement, particularly those opting for public schools, as they did not receive their scores beforehand.

Further complicating the issue, certificates for students who earned distinction grades were reportedly withdrawn due to a spelling error on the word “DISTINCTION,” delaying the release of certificates for all other pupils.

One concerned parent, Mr. Sanya Ibuoye, criticized the Ministry of Education for its poor handling of the exam, calling it a “scandal” and demanding an immediate investigation. Similarly, Mrs. Iyanuoluwa Ayegbusi urged the governor to launch an inquiry into the ministry’s alleged mismanagement and called for the independent re-evaluation of all scripts, with any guilty officials held accountable.

Mrs. Ayegbusi emphasized that such incompetence could damage Ekiti’s reputation as a leader in education and urged that swift action be taken. Another anonymous parent expressed frustration over the Ministry’s past mistakes, noting that their child’s common entrance certificate from a previous year had still not been issued.

In response, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Olabimpe Aderiye, acknowledged the parents’ concerns and promised to address them. She advised parents of students who did not meet the cut-off marks to write to the ministry for placement in schools with available spaces.

Dr. Aderiye explained that placements prioritize public school students due to limited options and mentioned available spots at schools like the newly established Model College on Ado Road, Ikere. She pledged to further investigate the matter and provide feedback.

READ ALSO: Parents Demand Justice After Their Child Was Abused at Lagos Daycare on Her First Day

SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, DAILY POST