From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, has initiated a campaign for a review of laws guiding the operations of National Examination Council (NECO), to enable it accommodate new challenges in the education system.
He, however, suggested that the review process should seriously consider impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the education system, and other technological developments that have redefined the life and living.
Niger State Governor, however, took the campaign to at one-day retreat titled “Legislative Functions: The Imperatives of Achieving NECO’s Mandate and the Challenges of Examination Legislation in Nigeria,” organized by NECO in Abuja, on Monday.
Similarly, lawmakers from both chambers of the National Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives) also admitted that there was urgent need to strengthen NECO operations by first reviewing the establishment laws considering the daily changes being introduced by technology.
He said: “The retreat was very timely and I am very impressed that Members of National Assembly are fully represented here. We would be looking at way forward for examination bodies like NECO in terms of innovation, the imperative of changing or amending the necessary laws to be in tandem with technology, time and innovation.
“For instance, AI has come to stay, hence our laws must also be able to key into this technological advancements. So this retreat is timely. I suggest that NECO and stakeholders expand the retreat beyond this present participants, to allow other stakeholders have input, and also be able to come out with a robust policy and laws for legislative consideration.”
Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tanko Sununu, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, declared open the retreat.
In his remarks, he said: “This retreat provides a timely opportunity for stakeholders to deliberate on key issues, share insights, and formulate strategies to enhance examination legislation in Nigeria.
“Through collaboration and concerted effort, we can strengthen NECO’s legal foundations, uphold excellence standards in our educational system, and ultimately empower our students to excel academically.
“As we discuss these imperatives and challenges, let us keep in mind the ultimate goal that unites us: The Pursuit of Excellence in Education. Let’s engage in constructive dialogue, share innovative ideas, and forge collaborative pathways.
“With commitment and diligence, we can overcome the obstacles facing NECO’s mandates and ensure that our examination legislation serves as a catalyst for positive change in our educational landscape.”
Julius Ihonvbere, Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, in his keynote address, lamented the dilapidated state of education and its infrastructure, challenging all stakeholders particularly tbe state governments to rise to their responsibilities.
He said that education system and infrastructures in war-torned Ukraine is better than peaceful Nigeria, describing it as a shame to the country.
NECO Registrar, Prof. Ibrahim Dantani Wushishi, in his welcome remarks, said the challenges in fulfilling NECO’s mandate highlight the critical need for a robust legislative framework.
He identified infrastructural constraints, surge in candidate enrollment, inadequate funding, examination malpractice, amongst others as some of the key hurdles faced by the examination body.
He, thus stressed the need for a review of the existing laws of the Council, hoping that the retreat will provide the opportunity for the expected reviews.