From TCNEWS

The 2025 General Placement Test (GPT) in Abia State has yielded a resounding success, with 98% of the 52,856 candidates passing the examination, according to the Director of the Examinations Development Centre (EDC), Mrs. Kanu Ucheoma Peace. The announcement was made during a media briefing held at the EDC headquarters in Umuahia, where she detailed the state’s recent achievements in education assessment and commended stakeholders for their support and commitment.

Mrs. Kanu disclosed that four key examinations have been conducted across Abia State so far this year, including: the General Placement Test (GPT), the Primary School Leaving Assessment Test, the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), and the Mandatory Central Promotion Examination (MCPE) for Senior Secondary School 2 students which was successfully administered across the state’s educational institutions, both public and private.

She also noted the Senior Science School Entrance Examination which took place on July 31st, 2025 was also successfully administered.

Highlighting the significance of the General Placement Test, Mrs. Kanu said that only 1.57% of candidates did not meet the minimum benchmark, underscoring the effectiveness of the educational support systems in place. The results of the BECE and other exams are currently being processed and will be released in due time.

Mrs. Kanu expressed deep appreciation to Governor Alex Otti for his administration’s policy of waiving examination fees for students in public schools. She stated that this initiative led to a notable increase in student registration, especially from rural and underserved communities.

“We were able to prudently manage our available resources to conduct these examinations successfully,” she said. “We are grateful to the hardworking teachers across the state, as well as parents who continue to support their children’s education.”

The Director also lauded the efforts of the EDC officers who undertook rigorous monitoring, inspection, and invigilation during the examinations. According to her, the incidence of malpractice was reduced to its barest minimum due to proactive oversight, despite logistical challenges such as heavy rainfall and the need to access remote communities.

The statement from Mrs Kanu underscores the positive impact of policy reforms, such as free exam fees for public school students on education accessibility and student performance. It highlights a model of exam administration integrity, community involvement, and efficient use of public resources, setting a commendable example for other states and education boards across Nigeria and beyond.

Approximately 40,000 students participated in the Mandatory Central Promotion Examination. Mrs. Kanu emphasized that the success of the exams, especially in remote areas, was made possible through the dedication of EDC staff who, in many instances, braved difficult terrain and poor weather conditions to uphold examination integrity.

Looking ahead, she called for additional logistical support, including more transport vehicles, to enhance future monitoring efforts.