In recent times there has been a high demand for education. Parents are more enlightened to give their wards the best educational training that they can offer based on their capabilities. Unfortunately, every year Nigerian university churn out graduates; pushed into the labour market without labour to occupy them. This has led to unprecedented hike in the rate of unemployment in the country.
Life is known to be replete with competition. As a result, some parents are in hurry to see their children through the first stages of education vis-a-vis primary and secondary education. It is not uncommon to see parents cajoling schools to register their wards from grade four or five to seat for the primary school leaving certificate exam. Skipping classes according to educationist has a very high likelihood of hampering the socio-academic development of a child. This is because children have been graded according to age and cognitive abilities.
This is why when a child is taken to schools upholding the standards of education; they are tested and placed in the category they belong. This classing is not based on prejudices or discrimination but on the child’s performance. Unfortunately, some parents seem to be in a hurry to see their wards graduate at a very young age. The reasons for these quests are based on individual needs and perspectives.
We all know that it is now easier for the eye of the needle to pass through the camels eye than one securing jobs in civil service ; which is considered by some people as permanent and secured. From the foregoing, one will not blame parents who are eager to see that their kids graduate before the age of 20. This penchant for early graduation of kids is based on series of facts.
Age barrier in securing jobs both in the private and public sector is responsible for parents breaking all grounds to self promote their wards. This self- promotion is a far cry from the double promotion awarded to exceptional pupils /students. In this case, a child who scores distinction in all subjects may be asked to skip a class. There is absolutely no qualm about this scenario, although some education experts argue against giving a child on whose side time is at an advantage double promotion. Their reasons are that the child may end up being a social misfit. This is because the child may be unable to relate with pupils or students beyond his/her age bracket; since education is usually classed.
Another factor to consider when accepting double promotion is to discern through rigorous test if the child is very conversant with the scheme of work of the class he/she will be asked to skip. For a child who is considered to be a genius, it is believed that he/she will cope with any academic challenges.
The truth is that not every child has the ability to attract double promotion. Some kids are struggling academically. All fingers are not equal. Unfortunately, some parents in a bid to either compete with their neighbours, colleagues or family members go against all academic advice and register their wards in certificate exams irrespective of the fact that such child is unqualified by reason of his/her academic performance. These groups of parents pay for extra lesson so as to coach the child and make up for any discrepancy. The result is that such a child whose cognitive ability is below average has a high chance to be completely or partially lost in the new class.
Although school heads in both public and private education sector often times explain the disadvantages of self promoting a child to parents. Adamantly, determined parents will insist and the school owners will have no option but to succumb.
It is a truism that our development from childhood to adulthood comes in stages. Education is not an exception. Despite the age barrier in securing good jobs, your kid is your investment. Allow the child to climb the ladder of life step by step.
