AN APPEAL FOR INCLUSIVE EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, ADEQUATE CBT INFRASTRUCTURE, AND FAIR IMPLEMENTATION OF EXAMINATION POLICIES IN NIGERIAN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

AN APPEAL FOR INCLUSIVE EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, ADEQUATE CBT INFRASTRUCTURE, AND FAIR IMPLEMENTATION OF EXAMINATION POLICIES IN NIGERIAN PUBLIC SCHOOLS Dear Honourable Minister of Education, I write as a concerned citizen and education advocate to express my concerns regarding the current state of educational development in Nigeria, particularly the introduction of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for major examinations such as WAEC and NECO without adequate preparation of public secondary schools. While the transition to CBT may represent progress, many public schools across Nigeria lack basic ICT facilities, computer laboratories, stable electricity, internet access, and trained personnel. This raises an important question: how can students from disadvantaged backgrounds compete fairly when the necessary infrastructure is unavailable in their schools? Democracy is meant to serve the people. However, many Nigerians feel that public services and opportunities are increasingly being commercialized, leaving the masses behind. Education should not become a privilege reserved for those who can afford private institutions. Rather, it should remain a fundamental right accessible to all citizens. Before implementing nationwide CBT examinations, the government should invest in public schools by providing functional computer laboratories, modern classrooms, science laboratories, libraries, and other essential facilities. At least 50 percent of public secondary schools should be adequately equipped before CBT becomes the dominant examination mode. We are also concerned about the increasing emphasis on NABTEB in some public secondary schools without adequate consultation and preparation. NABTEB plays an important role in technical and vocational education; however, it should not be imposed on schools that lack the required workshops, laboratories, equipment, and qualified instructors. Educational reforms should expand opportunities rather than limit them. Students and parents should continue to enjoy the freedom to choose examination bodies that best suit their academic and career aspirations. Any policy affecting WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, or other examination bodies should be implemented fairly and uniformly across the education sector after proper stakeholder engagement. Furthermore, educational policies should be carefully examined and tested before implementation. Policies imposed without proper preparation often create difficulties for students, teachers, and parents. Effective educational reform requires consultation, planning, and infrastructure development. The office of the Minister of Education is a public trust. It exists to serve the people and strengthen the nation's educational foundation. We respectfully urge you to focus on improving public educational institutions and ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has access to quality education. Education is the pillar of national development. A strong educational system should promote fairness, equal opportunity, and national progress. We appeal to you to be remembered as a Minister who strengthened public education, expanded educational opportunities, and improved learning outcomes for ordinary Nigerians. As Nigerians, we believe that government should add value to public institutions rather than weaken them. We need adequate infrastructure, practical knowledge, quality teaching, and educational policies that support both excellence and accessibility. Let our public schools become centres of innovation and opportunity for all. May God guide your decisions and grant you wisdom in the discharge of your responsibilities. Yours faithfully, Lawal Bello Director-General Education Information Society of Nigeria (EDU INFO)