Prof. German Calls for Reforms in Education, Says Written Tests Shouldn’t Be Sole Measure of Learning
By Benjamin GBOR
The 146th Inaugural Lecturer of the University of Calabar (Unical), Prof. Anagbogu German Effa, has called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s education sector, stressing the need to de-emphasize written examinations as the sole measure of learning outcomes.
Prof. German made the call while delivering Unical’s 146th inaugural lecture at the Godswill Akpabio International Conference Centre, Calabar, titled “Test is Not All But One in All: How Examination Became the Judge and Jury in Educational Evaluation.”
He argued that the nation’s overdependence on written and computer-based tests limits education to cognitive recall and offers a narrow view of true learning.
According to him, “Examinations should support learning, guide teaching, and certify competence—not control, label, or misclassify learners.”
The Professor of Educational Research, Measurement, and Evaluation advocated for a more balanced assessment approach that includes oral examinations, practical demonstrations, and performance-based evaluations to present a fuller picture of students’ abilities.
He noted that reducing the “exam obsession” will not compromise academic rigor but will instead foster a healthier educational balance where assessments enhance, rather than dominate, learning.
Prof. German also emphasized the need to make the school curriculum more responsive to the realities of life and work in Nigeria by integrating project-based learning, entrepreneurship, life skills, and community engagement.
He called on government and university authorities to establish clear and enforceable policies on examination conduct, malpractice, and penalties to restore integrity to the education system.
While commending the Vice Chancellor Prof. Florence Obi, for fostering an environment conducive to teaching and learning, Prof. German lauded the current administration’s examination reforms, describing them as “top-notch.”
In her remarks, Prof. Obi praised the inaugural lecturer for delivering an “expository, compelling, and thought-provoking lecture,” aligning with his call for Nigeria’s education system to reduce its overdependence on written examinations.
