Lagos Education Crisis: 45.7% of Public School Students Fail 2024 WASSCE – What’s Being Done?
The Lagos State education sector is reeling from alarming WASSCE results, with 26,592 public school students (45.7%) failing the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). Despite the government’s N1.577bn investment to cover exam fees for 58,188 candidates, nearly half of students fell short of passing grades. Here’s what you need to know about the crisis – and the bold steps being taken to reverse the trend.
Key Stats: Lagos’ 2024 WASSCE Breakdown
-Total candidates: 58,188 public school students
- Failure rate: 45.7% (26,592 students)
- Government expenditure: N1.577bn on WAEC fees
Why This Matters
Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, revealed these figures during a recent press briefing, calling the results “a wake-up call.” The failure rate highlights systemic challenges despite significant financial backing, raising questions about accountability and learning outcomes in Nigeria’s most populous state.
Biometric Registration: Curbing WAEC Sponsorship Abuse
To prevent wasteful spending, Lagos introduced biometric and image registration for 2025 WASSCE candidates. This initiative ensures only eligible students receive government sponsorship, successfully registering 56,134 verified beneficiaries for next year’s exams.
Eko Learners’ Support Programme: A Digital Lifeline
In response to the crisis, Lagos launched the Eko Learners’ Support Programme on January 14, 2025. This free, tech-driven intervention targets WASSCE and NECO candidates with:
- 320 televised lessons across 10 core subjects (Math, English, Sciences, etc.)
- 30-minute episodes airing on Lagos Television (LTV)
- On-demand access via YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter)
Commissioner Alli-Balogun emphasized, “This initiative fosters academic achievement and critical thinking. Every student deserves tools to succeed, regardless of background.
Urgent Call to Action for Students
With archived lessons and flexible viewing, the programme aims to bridge learning gaps, especially for boarding students. Alli-Balogun urged: “Take full advantage – education is a lifelong journey.”
The Road Ahead for Lagos Education
While the 2024 results paint a grim picture, Lagos’ hybrid strategy of stricter accountability and digital learning offers hope. Will biometric reforms and the Eko Programme turn the tide? Stakeholders are watching closely as the state battles to restore academic excellence.
Stay updated on Lagos’ education reforms – bookmark this page for future developments.
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