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Mwanza Regional Commissioner Evarist Ndikilo
Mwanza Regional Commissioner Evarist Ndikilo yesterday urged education stakeholders to investigate the mass failure in Standard VII and Form IV national examinations instead of coercing the resignation of the responsible minister.
He made the call here when opening a meeting of education stakeholders being held at the City Conference hall.
He said of late there has been a decline of pass rates in Standard VII and Form IV national examination results in the region.
According to Ndikilo, the pass rate for secondary education has fallen from 61 per cent in 2010 to 38 per cent in 2012 while for primary school has dwindled from 51 per cent in 2010 to 31 per cent in 2012.
“This is not healthy to the region and the nation at large. Stakeholders should conduct research to find out the causes of the problem and suggest solutions,” he said.
He mentioned some of the reasons for the mass failure in Standard VII and Form IV final examinations as low pay to teachers, poor working conditions and uncommitted teachers.
Other reasons include lack of leadership skills to some heads of schools, inadequate teachers for science and mathematics and interference by politicians in matters concerning academic affairs.
Ndikilo said to improve educational standard, there is a need to start school feeding programmes and mobilise parents and guardians to contribute to the education of their children.
Mwanza Regional Education Officer Hamis Maulid said although there has been an increase of candidates each year, the pass rate has been declining.
He called on the stakeholders to assist government find a lasting solution to the problem
