Educationist Calls for Stronger Regulation of SHS Tablets Amid Declining WASSCE English Performance
Educationist and International Relations expert, Nichiren Appiah Buadi, has called for stronger regulation of tablets distributed to students in Senior High Schools (SHSs), warning that unrestricted access to social media could undermine academic performance.
According to him, while the provision of tablets to students is a laudable initiative aimed at supporting digital learning, there is an urgent need for proper controls to ensure that the devices are used primarily for educational purposes.
Mr. Buadi made the call during a radio interview on BlueWaves Radio 93.7FM, while discussing concerns surrounding the performance of candidates in the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), particularly in English Language.
Data from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) indicates that 315,094 candidates, representing 62.40%, obtained grades A1 to C6 in English Language in 2026. This represents a decline from 69.00% recorded in 2025 and 69.52% in 2024, continuing a downward trend in performance.
WAEC has also raised concerns about the increasing influence of social media language on students’ written English. The examination body observed that some candidates used what it described as “WhatsApp English” in their essays, with expressions reflecting current social media trends.
Reacting to the development, Mr. Buadi said all stakeholders in education must return to the drawing board and engage meaningfully on how to improve the country’s educational system.
He identified teachers, students, parents, the media and government as key stakeholders who must work together to address the emerging challenges confronting education.
“The stakeholders in education, that is teachers, students, parents, the media and government, should go back to the drawing board for engagement to improve upon our educational system,” he said.
Mr. Buadi further expressed concern about the functionality of some of the tablets provided to students, particularly those reportedly equipped with SIM card slots.
“Some of the tablets, I am told, have SIM card slots where the students can slot in their SIM cards to make calls and download Facebook and TikTok, which I think is very bad,” he added.
He argued that although technology has an important role to play in modern education, access to digital devices without adequate supervision and regulation could expose students to distractions that may affect their studies.
The educationist therefore urged policymakers and other decision-makers in the education sector to introduce and enforce appropriate regulations governing the use of digital devices in schools.
He stressed that the focus should be on ensuring that technology serves as a tool for teaching, learning and research, rather than becoming a source of distraction for students.
The call comes amid growing concerns over declining academic performance and the influence of social media on students’ communication and writing skills.
Mr. Buadi believes a coordinated effort involving all stakeholders is necessary to reverse the trend and safeguard the quality of education in Ghana.
Source: Mybluewavesonline.com/ Maurice Duncan/ Upper East Region
