OEQA CONCLUDES MONITORING OF BECE EXAMS FOR QUALITY COMPLIANCE

… Says Monitoring Will Assist In Preparations For Subsequent Examinations

The Lagos State Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA) on Saturday, concluded the monitoring exercise of the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). The exercise is to ensure strict adherence to established quality standards of education and the overall policy guiding the examinations in the State.

During the monitoring exercise, OEQA officials visited numerous examination centres across the state to assess various aspects of the examination process, including the punctuality and preparedness of students, the availability and appropriateness of examination materials, and the conduct of invigilators and supervisors in the various schools visited.

According to the Director, Quality Assurance Department, OEQA,
Mrs. Hameedat Mojisola Sanni, who led other officials to various examination centres on Lagos Island, explained that the primary aim of the monitoring visit was to ensure that the examinations were conducted in a fair, transparent and orderly manner.

The Director emphasised the importance of the monitoring activities by the office, saying “Our goal is to uphold the integrity of the BECE and ensure that every student is provided with an equal opportunity to perform to the best of their abilities”.

Revealing that the observations gathered from this exercise would be compiled into a comprehensive report to be presented to the government, Sanni noted that the report will highlight areas of compliance as well as identify lapses or challenges encountered during the examination process, adding that the feedback will be invaluable in informing future policy decisions and improving the conduct of subsequent examinations.

In addition to the education standards assessment, the Director stated that her team from the OEQA also assessed the logistical aspects of the examinations which included the timely arrival and distribution of examination papers, the adequacy of sitting arrangements, and the overall examination environment.

In her words, “The OEQA’s commitment to quality assurance extends beyond the examination period. The office plans to follow up on its observations with recommendations aimed at addressing identified issues and enhancing the overall quality of education in Lagos State”.

Also speaking during the monitoring exercise, the Director, Monitoring and Investigation Department, OEQA, Mr. Kamardeen Akodu informed that the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) was organised by the Lagos State Examinations Board for Junior Secondary School III (JSS3) students in both public and private schools across Lagos State.

He stated that the examination is a critical evaluation tool for assessing the student’s knowledge and understanding accumulated from JSS1 to JSS3 because the outcome of the examination will determine the promotion of the participants to the Senior Secondary School I (SS1) level.

“We are embarking on this exercise today, with top officials of OEQA covering Lagos Island, visiting both private and public schools during this examination period. The aim is to ensure that the examinations are conducted smoothly and in accordance with established regulations”, the Director said.

It should be noted that the monitoring exercise started at the commencement of BECE on Monday, July 1st and ended on Saturday 7th July, 2024. The monitoring team also included Mr. Remi Abdul, Director, Planning Research and Statistics; Mrs. Jumoke Akinsanya, Zonal Director, Lagos Island and Ms. Adepeju Adeyemi, Director, Public Affairs, amongst others.