Ekiti Parents Demand Probe into Common Entrance Exam Results Amid Mass Failure

In Ekiti State, parents are voicing strong concerns over the recent Common Entrance Examination into secondary schools, urging Governor Biodun Oyebanji to launch a thorough investigation into the state Ministry of Education's handling of the process. The call comes after a significant number of students reportedly failed the exam, which was held on July 1 and July 3, 2024.

Parents are demanding that Oyebanji establish a Panel of Inquiry to scrutinize the alleged mismanagement of the examination. They are also calling for an audit and re-marking of the students' answer scripts to ensure fairness and accuracy. The results, which were released on September 17, 2024, have exacerbated tensions, especially with public and private schools resuming on the same day. Many students, particularly those who chose public schools, were left in limbo, unable to ascertain their results before the start of the school year.

The delay in result release and the subsequent issues with the certificates, including a misspelling of “DISTINCTION,” have further fueled discontent. The error led to the withdrawal of certificates, creating additional confusion and frustration among parents and students.

Mr. Sanya Ibuoye, a concerned parent, criticized the state Ministry of Education for its perceived negligence, demanding an immediate investigation into what he described as an "unacceptable scandal." Mrs. Iyanuoluwa Ayegbusi echoed these sentiments, urging Governor Oyebanji to take decisive action by setting up a panel to examine the handling of the examination and to ensure that all involved officials are held accountable. She stressed that the alleged mishandling could undermine the state's educational reputation.

An anonymous parent also highlighted ongoing issues with the issuance of certificates, noting that his daughter's common entrance certificate is still pending.

In response, Dr. Olabimpe Aderiye, Commissioner for Education, assured that the ministry would address the complaints promptly. She advised parents of students who did not meet the cut-off marks to contact the ministry for alternative school placements. Dr. Aderiye committed to investigating the issues further and providing a comprehensive update.

The controversy has intensified the debate about the management of educational assessments in Ekiti State, with many stakeholders calling for transparency and accountability to ensure that students' futures are not compromised.