Assessment of Performance in Science Subject at School Certificate Level: A Case Study of Adamawa State

Abstract

Modern- development, economic or otherwise, depends on technological development. A nation's technological growth on the other hand is dependent on its scientific development. No scientific development can, however, be experienced without a solid foundation in the basic sciences at the school level. Adamawa State government, for the past few years, have been expressing concern over the very poor performance of the Secondary school students in the Senior School Certificate Examination organised by West African Examinations Council (WAEC). This essay is an effort to find out the students' performance in the basic sciences with respect to the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE). Considering the fact that the national policy of education stipulates that 60% of those admitted into the country's tertiary institutions should be for science and science-based courses, necessitates the need to know how students are fairing in the basic sciences which are necessary pre-requisite for the admission. To find out, the essay considered five years (1994-1998) SSCE results in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. The number and qualifications of teachers of the subjects, as well as the availability and functionality of the science laboratories in the schools were considered. The performance of students during the five year period considered was found to be appalling with only two people passing at credit level in 1995. It was also discovered thatthere was serious shortage of teachers in all the subjects in terms of numbers and qualification. Only 33 schools were found to have the required laboratories, while the others have what the Ministry referred to as multi-purpose laboratories. It is recommended that classrooms and laboratories should be considerably improved, and the opening of new schools be halted until the State could recruit qualified and sufficient number of teachers. Inducement allowance should be paid to all science teachers to retain them in the profession. Adequate laboratory equipment should be provided as well as appropriate facilities for practicals.