By Gloria Josiah
The FCT Education Secretariat has restated its commitment to academic excellence and equal access to quality education as 670 pupils sat for the entrance examination into the School for the Gifted, Abuja.
The examination, which drew candidates from across the six Area Councils of the Territory, was held under a well-coordinated and secure environment designed to guarantee fairness and credibility.
On behalf of the Director of the Education Resource Centre, Dr. Neemat Daud Abdulrahim, the Head of Guidance and Counselling, Mallam Yahaya Abdulwahab, who monitored the exercise, said the Centre deployed officials to all designated centres to ensure compliance with set standards.
According to him, the monitoring was part of the Centreโs quality assurance role to confirm that approved guidelines were strictly followed and that candidates were given the right atmosphere to perform independently.
He explained that admission into the School for the Gifted will be based strictly on merit, with only candidates who meet the approved cut-off mark securing a place.
Abdulwahab stressed that the Gifted School remains a key initiative of the FCT Administration aimed at discovering and grooming academically talented children with a specialised learning environment that matches their potential.
He noted that the large turnout of 670 candidates shows the confidence the public has in the transparency of the process and the importance parents attach to merit-based opportunities.
He added that proper planning, including adequate seating, effective invigilation and strict adherence to procedures, was crucial to eliminating examination malpractice.
He said: โWhen an examination is well organised and properly supervised, every child has a fair chance to show what he knows. There is no room for malpractice because candidates must depend on their own ability and preparation.โ
He stated that accessibility to education goes beyond allowing children to sit for an exam, but also includes providing a conducive, fair and equitable environment for assessment and learning.
He commended officials, supervisors, invigilators, school management, parents and guardians for their cooperation which led to the smooth conduct of the examination.
He urged parents to continue supporting their wards through proper preparation and encouragement instead of mounting undue pressure or seeking illegal assistance.
He also advised candidates to stay confident, noting that the exam was designed to identify learners who can thrive in the specialised academic setting of the Gifted School.
Some candidates who participated expressed optimism and described the examination as a vital opportunity to advance their academic dreams.
Abdulwahab assured that the Education Resource Centre will continue to enhance its quality assurance system, improve learning facilities and promote inclusive, transparent and merit-driven education across the FCT.
