A considerable number of parents in Nigeria's North contribute to their children's poor performance in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and similar exams. An educator, Salim Yakubu Akko, has observed that many students in the region struggle with low scores. During interactions, students expressed frustration that their parents deny them access to mobile phones, a crucial tool for accessing knowledge in today's digital age. This restriction limits their ability to prepare effectively for exams.
The lack of access to quality educational materials in the North further exacerbates the issue. Akko noted that students in the region do not have access to high-quality books that are commonly used to achieve excellent grades in UTME. As a result, mobile phones become a vital means of accessing these resources. However, parents' skepticism about phone usage often leads to restricted access, putting their children at a disadvantage. This dilemma highlights the need for parents to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of phone usage, especially during critical exam preparation periods.
Educational apps have become essential tools for students preparing for UTME and other exams. Many top scorers attribute their success to apps like MySchool, TestDriller, and 3thirty, which offer practice questions, mock tests, and assessment features. These apps are typically accessed through mobile phones or laptops, further emphasizing the importance of phone usage in academic success. By restricting phone access, parents may inadvertently hinder their children's ability to compete effectively in exams.
The digital age has transformed the way students learn, making it possible to access information and educational resources online. Platforms like YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and WhatsApp offer a wealth of educational content, including tutorials and lectures from experienced educators. Many of these resources are available for free or at a nominal cost, making it easier for students to learn and prepare for exams. However, parents' restrictions on phone usage limit their children's ability to tap into these resources.
Akko emphasizes that becoming a top student is no longer solely dependent on the school one attends. With the abundance of online resources, students can access high-quality educational materials and tutorials, regardless of their geographical location. To improve academic performance in the North, parents must adapt to the evolving educational landscape and integrate themselves with the digital system. This requires a shift in perspective, allowing children to access the tools they need to achieve academic excellence.
The consequences of not adapting to the digital age are evident in the region's poor UTME scores. Until parents allow their children to access the necessary tools, such as mobile phones and educational apps, academic performance is likely to remain subpar. Akko stresses that it is essential for parents to carefully consider their approach and make changes to support their children's academic success. By doing so, they can help bridge the educational gap and improve UTME scores in the North.
To improve academic performance in the North, it is crucial for parents to reevaluate their stance on phone usage and access to educational resources. By embracing the digital age and allowing children to access the tools they need, parents can help level the playing field and provide their children with equal opportunities for academic success. This shift in approach will require parents to be more open-minded and willing to adapt to the evolving educational landscape.
Key points
- Parents in Nigeria's North restrict access to mobile phones, hindering students' academic performance in UTME and other exams.
- Educational apps and online resources are essential tools for students preparing for UTME and other exams.
- Parents must adapt to the evolving educational landscape and integrate themselves with the digital system to improve academic performance in the North.
