THE Leader of Opposition Matthew Wale has called on the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD) to immediately investigate the persistent high failure rates in national examinations and implement effective measures to improve academic performance.
Wale made the statement in response to data released by MEHRD showing consistently high failure rates among students.
“The latest data exposes an alarming trend. Far too many of our students are failing. MEHRD must understand why this is happening and take immediate action to address it” he said.
Wale stressed that resolving this issue would require a comprehensive study to uncover and understand the underlying causes.
He pointed out that reckless policy decisions by the Government have undoubtedly contributed negatively to the situation.
“Government’s explicit choice to shorten the 2023 academic year for the Pacific Games added to the significant disruptions already caused by COVID.
“This prioritization of the games in Honiara over the education of young Solomon Islanders throughout all of Solomon Islands was a clear betrayal of our young people’s potential and the sacrifices of their families,” Wale said.
Wale said poor academic outcomes are predictable when Government treats education as secondary.
“When education is neglected, poor results are inevitable,” he said.
Wale urged MEHRD to act now to reverse these damaging trends and restore public confidence in the education system.
“MEHRD must approach this issue with urgency. Diagnose the problems and implement effective solutions. We cannot play games with the future of our children and our country any longer.”
The Opposition Leader emphasised the importance of education to national development and questioned when will the Government place it at the forefront of the national agenda.
“Government cannot build a thriving Solomon Islands without a strong and vibrant economy. And no economy can grow without well-educated, skilled citizens to build and sustain it. When will Government place education at the forefront of our national agenda?”
– Opposition Office
