“Navigate The Third Term With Purpose”

The third term of the 2024-2025 academic year begins today. What makes the term particular?
The term, often called the moment of reckoning, is not merely a continuation of the school year, but its culmination. What makes this term particularly significant is its weight of consequences. For some, it is the gatekeeper to the next class; for others, especially those in examination classes, it is the decisive passage into a new chapter of academic or professional life. It is a term that demands diligence, composure, and unwavering focus, as there is little room for procrastination and no luxury for indifference. Here, every mark counts, every lesson matters, and every moment is precious. The third term is not just an end-it is a test of will, a measure of preparation, and a moment of truth. For students, it is the proving ground of progress. For teachers, the final act of mentorship. And for the education system, a mirror reflecting the values we uphold. 

In what frame of mind should students approach this determinant term of the school year?
Students should approach this term with a renewed sense of purpose and inner resolve. The final term is not a time for lethargy or defeatism, it is a time to consolidate knowledge, rectify past weaknesses, and rise to the expectations set before them. They must be mentally alert, emotionally balanced, and intellectually hungry. The frame of mind should be one of calm determination, grounded in the awareness that education is both a duty and a privilege. It is the season for strategic learning, time consciousness, and moral uprightness. 

How should the teaching staff ensure this term runs smoothly with effective coverage of their curriculum?
Teachers remain the cornerstones of the academic edifice. In this third term, they are called upon to demonstrate pedagogic rigor, professional integrity, and compassionate guidance. To ensure effective coverage of the curriculum, I urge teachers to map out a detailed scheme of work aligned with the remaining instructional weeks. Identify and address learning gaps with remedial sessions where necessary. Create interactive and engaging lessons that hold students' attention and promote deep understanding. Teachers should also assess continuously, not just for grading, but for learning reinforcement. Moreover, teachers must serve not only as transmitte...