Decline in SSCE Participation Puts Future of Kaduna Girls at Risk – Global Peace
http://www.newsportng.com.ng Global Peace Foundation Nigeria, (GPFN) in collaboration with Back To School Educational Initiative, through the support from Rise Up, has warned that decline in Senior Secondary School Examination Participation by female students is gradually putting the future of Kaduna girls to risk.
The Country Director GPFN Rev. Dr. John Joseph Hayab stated this in a press conference held in Kaduna on Friday, while unveiling Research Findings and Policy Recommendations on Access to Education for Vulnerable Girls in Kaduna State.
According to him, the research findings demonstrate the significant decline in female enrollment and completion rates across Kaduna State’s public secondary schools following the cessation of government support for Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) fees.
Dr. Hayab, represented by the Northern Coordinator, GPFN Sheikh Halliru Abdullahi Maraya, disclosed that despite the surge in enrollment, very few percentage of the students were able to participate in the Examination due to the withdrawal of government’s support.
He added that, “in Kaduna Central Zone data from some sampled schools between 2021 and 2023, there was a significant gap between the number of students enrolled and those who eventually sat for the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination. In 2021, out of 11,869 enrolled students, only 4,004 (33.7%) sat for the exam, leaving a gap of 7,865 students (66.3%).
“In 2022, the enrollment was 12,989, but only 3,811 (29.3%) took the exam, widening the gap to 9,178 students (70.7%). By 2023, 12,979 students were enrolled, yet only 4,164 (32.1%) participated in the exam, with a gap of 8,815 students (67.9%).
“These figures show a persistent trend where less than a third of enrolled students progress to sitting for the exam as a result of the cessation of the payment of the SSCE fee by the state government, highlighting a need for initiatives to increase completion and examination attendance.
“Our research highlights other pressing barriers: early marriage, lack of community support, security concerns, and inadequate school resources. These challenges further restrict girls ability to pursue their education and fulfill their aspirations.
“But today, we are not only discussing challenges were also introducing actionable solutions. We are calling on the Kaduna State government to reinstate SSCE fee support and introduce scholarships for girls from low-income backgrounds.
“We urge local leaders to support community awareness campaigns that emphasize the importance of girls education. And we recommend security enhancements around schools to create safe spaces for learning.” Hayab stated.
