By Staff Reporter
Sapele, Delta State — Concerns over the academic performance of students at Sapele Local Government Council Secondary School have sparked a debate among parents and teachers, with inadequate staffing, teaching methods and students’ academic foundation emerging as key issues.
Some parents who spoke with News Men over the weekend expressed concern over what they described as poor performance in mathematics, particularly among junior secondary school students.
The parents attributed the situation partly to what they said were ineffective teaching methods and the shortage of mathematics teachers in the school.
Parents Raise Concerns Over Teaching Methods
Some of the parents alleged that students were sometimes asked to copy notes rather than being taken through mathematical problems with adequate explanations and worked examples.
One parent said the situation could make it difficult for students to understand mathematical concepts.
«“How will our children learn mathematics like that? No explanations, no workings, no steps. That is why they are failing massively,” the parent alleged.»
The parents called for closer monitoring of teaching and learning activities in the school to ensure that students receive adequate explanations and practical guidance in mathematics.
Teacher Cites Heavy Workload
Responding to the concerns, the mathematics teacher reportedly responsible for the junior secondary classes said the challenge was not simply a matter of teaching effort, but was also linked to the number of classes assigned to him.
According to the teacher, he currently handles mathematics for eight classes covering JSS1 to JSS3, a workload he described as difficult to manage effectively.
He said he had repeatedly appealed to the school management for additional mathematics teachers but that the situation had yet to be resolved.
The teacher therefore called for the recruitment of three to four additional mathematics teachers, saying this would help reduce the workload and allow for more effective instruction.
Teacher Raises Concern Over Students’ Academic Foundation
The teacher also identified students’ academic foundation as another factor that could affect their performance.
He expressed concern about cases where some children allegedly move into JSS1 without having adequately completed or mastered basic primary-level learning.
According to him, students who enter junior secondary school without sufficient foundational knowledge may require additional support before they can cope effectively with the secondary school mathematics curriculum.
He urged parents to ensure that their children acquire the necessary basic skills before transitioning to junior secondary education.
Parents Call for Government Intervention
The parents have appealed to the Sapele Local Government Council, the Delta State Ministry of Secondary Education and the Delta State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to investigate the situation and take appropriate steps to address the concerns.
Among their demands are the recruitment of additional qualified mathematics teachers, improved monitoring of classroom instruction and greater attention to education funding.
They also called for measures that would strengthen students’ foundational learning and improve academic outcomes.
Need for Collaborative Solution
The concerns have highlighted the need for cooperation among school authorities, teachers, parents and relevant government agencies in addressing challenges affecting students’ academic performance.
While parents have raised concerns about teaching methods, the mathematics teacher has pointed to workload and students’ academic preparedness as contributing factors.
The issues raised therefore require an objective assessment of the school’s staffing situation, teaching practices and students’ learning needs before responsibility for the poor performance can be conclusively established.
As of press time, efforts to obtain an official response from the school management were unsuccessful.
Education stakeholders in Sapele have consequently urged the relevant authorities to investigate the situation and provide whatever support may be necessary to improve teaching and learning at the school.
