Nigeria's Education Crisis and CEGS Bill

• The Nigerian education system is facing a school dropout crisis, with over 60% of students dropping out due to economic challenges and the inability to pass core subjects.
• High examination fees from bodies like WAEC, NECO, and JAMB contribute to the financial burden on parents.
• Millions of Nigerian children lack access to quality education, perpetuating poverty and underdevelopment.
• The current high-stakes examination system disproportionately affects disadvantaged students and is outdated for modern educational needs.
• Introducing a more inclusive, equitable approach that evaluates students' knowledge through continuous assessments is needed.
• The National Continuous Evaluation Grades System (CEGS) Bill seeks to eliminate high-stakes exams and transition to continuous assessments.
• CEGS aims to reduce financial burdens, create an inclusive educational environment, and support students' learning journeys.
• The proposed system will provide ongoing assessments throughout the academic year, focusing on overall progress rather than one-time exams.
• Countries like Finland, Canada, India, South Africa, Pakistan and Singapore have successfully implemented Continuous Evaluation Grades Systems (CEGS).
• The CEGS bill proposes to repeal the WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, and JAMB Acts, and establish the National Continuous Evaluation Grades System.
• The bill is a response to inequity, school dropouts, and the rising number of out-of-school children.
• The CEGS aims to create a more inclusive and equitable educational environment.
• The CEGS focuses on continuous assessment to reduce financial and psychological pressures.

Preamble

• The current examination bodies have become sources of financial burden and educational inequity.
• Escalating examination fees and centralized admission processes disproportionately affect economically disadvantaged students.
• Reforming the educational assessment and admission system to ensure inclusivity, equity, and alignment with global best practices is needed.

Repeal of Existing Acts

• The WAEC Act, Cap W4, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, originally enacted in 1984, is repealed.
• The NECO Act, No. 69 of 2002 is repealed.
• The NABTEB Act, No. 70 of 1993 is repealed.
• The JAMB Act, Cap J1, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, originally enacted in 1978, is repealed.
• A two-year transition period is provided to phase out the operations of WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, and JAMB.
• During the transition period, the CEGS will be implemented.

Establishment of the National Continuous Evaluation Grades System

• The National Continuous Evaluation Grades System (CEGS) is established as the sole method for assessing secondary education in Nigeria.
• CEGS will be implemented across all secondary schools in Nigeria, with assessments conducted continuously throughout the academic year.
• Ongoing assessments, including class assignments, projects, quizzes, and examinations, will be used to evaluate students' performance.
• Cumulative grades from these assessments will form the basis of the final secondary school certification, equivalent to the SSCE.
• Secondary schools will submit students' academic transcripts, including their CEGS results, directly to tertiary institutions for admission.
• Tertiary institutions will use these transcripts to determine eligibility for admission, ensuring a fair and transparent process.

Benefits of the National Continuous Evaluation Grades System

• CEGS will eliminate the financial burden associated with external examinations and centralized admissions processes.
• The system will ensure a more equitable education process by focusing on students' continuous performance.
• CEGS will align Nigeria’s education system with global standards.

Implementation and Oversight

• The Continuous Evaluation Grades Authority (CEGA) will be established to oversee the implementation and regulation of CEGS.
• CEGA will develop guidelines, standards, and procedures for the consistent and fair application of CEGS across all secondary schools in Nigeria.
• The CEGS will be fully operational within three academic years from the date of enactment of the CEGS act.
• CEGA will work with the Federal Ministry of Education to ensure a seamless transition to CEGS.

Citation

• The Act may be cited as the National Continuous Evaluation Grades System Act, 2024.

Legislative and Executive Support

• The National Assembly is urged to pass the Act to promote equitable access to education.
• The President is called upon to endorse and implement the Act.

Conclusion

• Any conflicting laws are repealed.
• The provisions of the Act remain in force until amended or repealed.
• The Act will come into effect on the date it is assented to by the President.
• The bill aims to create an equitable, accessible, and globally competitive education system.
• Enacting the legislation will transform Nigeria’s educational landscape, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to achieve their full potential.