Commissioner asks school principals to tackle ‘declining’ WASSCE performance in Lagos

NAN reports that Tolani Alli-Balogun, the commissioner, addressed the state’s WASSCE performance in a statement on Sunday.

He expressed disappointment with student performance in the previous WASSCE and other external examinations.

The commissioner encouraged principals to find innovative ways to reverse the declining trend.

He said despite heavy investment across the six education districts in Lagos, student outcomes in external exams remain poor.

“I expected students’ performance to improve, not decline, given the substantial resources allocated to education,” Alli-Balogun stated.

Alli-Balogun said the mass promotion of students has failed to produce positive results in recent years.

The commissioner called for only high-achieving students to be promoted to terminal classes, aiming to improve academic standards.

The strategy, he said, will raise student performance and elevate the overall standard of education in Lagos state schools.

“This approach will motivate final-year students to work harder and strive for excellence, ultimately improving academic performance across the board,” he added.

Alli-Balogun urged prompt revival of school activities that engage students’ natural learning abilities and promote both physical and mental development.

He highlighted the need to reinstate co-curricular activities, which play a vital role in students’ holistic growth and education.

The commissioner also directed schools to encourage interactive learning through hands-on activities, experiments, and projects that support the ministry’s educational goals.

Such methods, he noted, would inspire students to learn actively, while also reviving sports and physical education to build fitness, teamwork, and discipline.

Alli-Balogun urged students to express themselves through art, music, drama, and other creative platforms, helping them take ownership of their educational journey.

He added that schools may foster this by allowing students to lead clubs, projects, and organisations that reflect their interests and strengths.

Through these efforts, Alli-Balogun said students would receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in every area of life.