By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko
The Barakaat Old Students Association (BOSA) Bodija, Ibadan, has urged government to mandate registration of all schools with the Ministry of Education to regulate their activities and curb exam malpractice.
The association made the call on Monday at a news conference organised by the school management and the association to mark the school’s 40th anniversary.
Mr Abdur-Rahman Aderinoye, Chairman, Planning Committee stressed the need for government to checkmate the activities of schools and ensure strict adherence to rules.
“The activities of some mushroom schools should be checked.
“It is not enough for a school to just print out and showcase results of WAEC students online, the activities of the school and conduct of the examination should be thoroughly checked.
“The ministry should ensure that all schools are duly registered and strictly follow the guidelines,” he said.
Aderinoye emphasised the importance of collaboration among government, parents, schools, and stakeholders to tackle the scourge of examination malpractice in schools.
According to him, their alma mata has always focused on promoting self-reliance and independent work among students during exams to curb malpractice.
He further urged the government to regulate the activities of book publishers so that textbooks used by old students could also be used by their younger ones.
The association endorsed the government’s age requirements for primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions, arguing that it would help reduce the output of underprepared students.
Aderinoye said that the school contributed toward the growth of standard education system by producing outstanding icons worthy of emulation in the society.
“Barakaat was established with the pragmatic support of the first Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Abdul Alao as the founding financier, under the auspices of Islamic Education foundation.
“The school has been a pillar of basic education in the entire community of Ibadan,” he said.
Aderinoye outlined the anniversary activities, stating that the celebrations would kick off with a 4-day event starting Monday.
“There will be a professorial reception in honour of the first head girl who was elevated to the rank of a professor last year.
“The events also include a medical outreach with mentorship session on day two; symbolic anniversary sensitisation walk and Jumat service.
“The grand finale will feature presentations of the first ever BOSA compendium, awards, inauguration of projects which includes BOSA endowment fund project,” he said.
He stated that the fund project’s inauguration would mark the association’s commitment to supporting the school’s growth and providing scholarships to deserving students.
According to him, the objective of the anniversary celebration is to celebrate their impacts, recognise contributions and promote legacy.
“We want to see ways to continue to upgrade the school; the school’s permanent site today was made possible through the contributions of the association.
“We have ICT room for students, school website, and more infrastructure developments ongoing for the school.
“Barakaat has indeed impacted on the education sector through its provision of solid foundation for its pupils as exemplified in the attainment of the rank of a professor by the first head girl,” he said. (NAN)
