The 2020 Gambia Basic Certificate Examination GABECE) results released by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MOBSE) have shown improvement in number of performance compare to 2018, 2019 examinations. At least, 23,039 candidates sat for this year’s examinations with 10,083 males and 12,956 females across region 1 to 6.
The pupils were among thousands of whom were out of lesson for months due to the coronavirus outbreak in the country in March.
But the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education introduced online lectures using the TV’s and Radios to offer lectures to students whiles at home which was heavily criticized on its effectiveness.
“Today we are here to celebrate what did that difficult moment had done for this young people who were out of school and who might not had the opportunity to be sent to school if we had not taken that decision” said Louie Moses Mendy Permanent Secretary MOBSE
In 2019, the number of students who had aggregate 6 was 21. Meanwhile, this year’s examination has showed a record number of 26 students with aggregate 6. “More students passed the 2020 grade 9 exams compared to last year even due to the pressure and physiological trauma of covid 19. They have made us proud even under the circumstances they found themselves“. PS added.
Despite general performance in number of passes, this year’s exams has also seen a drop in subjects like mathematics. According to the Deputy Permanent Secretary Adama Jimba Jobe, the ministry is committed to knowing the root causes of the ‘underperformance’ in the mathematics compare to other subjects.
“Mathematics is an international problem not only unique to Gambia but as a ministry, the first assignment given to the directorate of planning is to do a research work and find out what are the root causes because if science is performing and we link mathematics to science, why is mathematics not doing the same. We’ll look into it through a study but also there are interventions that we’re doing like CPD’s we call it Continues Professional Development, equally learning good practices from other institutions or schools that are performing“
The DPS also outlined that, the result presented exclude candidates whose results are withheld amidst suspicion of exams malpractices.