The Impact of Demeaning Educators in NECO Exams
By Emmanuel Sixtus
While setting examination question for students participating in 2024 NECO exam, the National Examination Council put out a below passage for students. The disrespectful passage ridiculed teachers.
“Teaching is a noble profession
But teachers are never noble
Whoever God wants to punish
Pushes him to be a school master
There he dreams for wealth that is far away.
It needs patience to be a teacher
Their past students seem to be their reward
Teachers are all mathematicians
They are regarded so because they calculate
And recalculate their budgets.” The exam passage reads
NECO the body responsible for examining students for university qualifications has shown a despicable disdain to teachers, by including in a exam paper a passage that ridiculed teachers in the country.
Nigeria has failed to take care of teachers, with civil servants facing bleak future due to poor salaries.
Due to the poor minimum wage that has become part of civil servants history in the country, teachers barely have enough to take care of themselves, let alone meeting their secondary needs.
The poor condition of teachers in the country has become part of life, with everyone admitting that teachers are poor and can’t fulfil dreams in life.
The passage in question depicted the above narrative in a national examination paper. The passage was used to set up questions for students.
The recent NECO exam passage ridiculing teachers highlights a disturbing trend of disrespect towards educators.
This article demands an apology and underscores the critical role of teachers in society.
Apology is essential to restore the dignity of teaching in the country. While it’s hard for teachers to rise and fight, my pen will do the justice for now.
Education stands as the cornerstone of societal progress, and at the heart of this noble endeavor are teachers. The role of teachers continues to be neglected because nobody sees their sacrifice.
A successful or celebrated man began his journey in the hands of teachers. It is true that when a finished house stands, the foundation is hidden, but this should not deprive the fact.
Teachers are the foundation of everything good the world has become today. The ridiculing of teachers with a national exam passage is a monumental neglect and disrespect.
The recent NECO examination, which featured a passage ridiculing teachers, marks a distressing low.
It not only diminishes the stature of teachers but also sets a harmful precedent for students. For the purpose of emphasis this opinion explores the detrimental implications of such content and calls for an immediate apology from NECO.
Teachers play an indispensable role in shaping the future. They inspire, guide, and nurture students, instilling values that extend beyond academic knowledge.
By portraying teachers in a derogatory manner, NECO undermines the immense dedication and sacrifices these professionals make daily.
The Passage: A Disrespectful Depiction
The passage in question ridiculed teachers by portraying them as frustrated individuals who are punished by God, constantly dreaming of unattainable wealth, and struggling with financial calculations.
Such depictions are not only inaccurate but also disrespectful. They ignore the passion and commitment that drive teachers to educate and empower future generations despite numerous challenges.
Negative Impact on Students
Including such a passage in an examination can have far-reaching negative effects on students. It teaches them to view teachers with disdain rather than respect.
This can erode the student-teacher relationship, which is fundamental to effective learning. Students are likely to internalize these negative stereotypes, leading to a lack of appreciation for the hard work and dedication of their educators.
This portrayal lowers the perceived value of the teaching profession. At a time when there is already a significant shortage of qualified teachers, such narratives can deter potential educators from pursuing this career.
It also sends a message that society does not value or respect teachers, which can be incredibly demoralizing for those in the profession.
NECO, as an educational institution, holds a responsibility to uphold the dignity of all professions, especially teaching.
An immediate apology is necessary to address this misstep. Such an apology should acknowledge the critical role of teachers and the error in allowing such content to be part of an examination.
Furthermore, NECO should ensure that future examinations reflect respect for all professions and contribute positively to students’ perceptions of their educators.
In conclusion, the NECO examination’s inclusion of a passage ridiculing teachers is a grave error that demands immediate rectification.
Teachers are the backbone of education and deserve respect and recognition for their contributions. NECO must apologize and take steps to prevent such incidents in the future.
As the saying goes, “Wetin man do man,” it’s crucial to treat others with the respect and dignity they deserve, particularly those who dedicate their lives to educating and shaping the future of our society.
