I remember back in 2002, having to study like my life depended on it just to be able to pass the then common entrance exams. Then we would attend extra mural classes, study and solve past questions and then on that fateful day of reckoning we would have our uniforms well ironed with sharp ghettos and then queue up before a chartered bus which would then convey us to the venue of the exams.
Then if your school should arrive the venue earlier than others, you will inevitably join your mates to man the role spectators or even guard of honor to other schools arriving later. The feeling of intimidation is usually inevitable when those rich kids from elite school starts sauntering in.
Then it was common to see everyone buying stuffs, because every parent or guardian whose child or ward was to partake in the exams always did try as much as possible to "box em up" - so that day is usually a blessed day.
Then comes the moment when each school will be shown the hall allocated to them for the exams (had about three schools sharing the same hall in my time). it was a moment to relish; at this time there are differences between the rich kid from some elite school and the poor kid from some local or community school. We were given a fair ground to compete and not forgetting - make acquaintances.
Then the moment of truth comes when long hours of studying and burning of the midnight oil will be subjected to scrutiny for the reward of going to the secondary school. I tell you, is not just about the exams, but about the consequences of the exams
Over 3 long hours, to decide your fate. Remember is not just about the exams. The consequences are what you are mostly anxious or dreadful about. For instance, if you pass, then you are sure of making any wish and your parents will go out of their ways to fulfill it. You automatically win a boasting right amongst your friends. You automatically become a reference point when parent in your area are advising their kids. Your status automatically is elevated. But if you fail the exams, the exact opposite will happen to you. The worst of it all is that you will repeat that class (which unfortunately is an extinct practice today).

then there was even a grading system for posting successful candidates of the exams to the secondary schools within each state. then boarding schools (especially in the FCT) where for low performing but successful candidates whilst the day schools were for high flying candidates. However, high flying candidates were allowed the option of choosing any boarding school of their choice in the event that they have such preference.

This original system of common entrance was the bomb. unfortunately our indomie generation have missed out on this sweet system that ensured that value was prioritized, and the place of study and hardwork duly rewarded. Back in our time we were complaining that the standard of education had eroded, not knowing we still hard some value left. Now we completely appreciate it. We just have to go back and reinvent that system.
I use to know how good memory was encouraged, today even a 10 year old keeps a calculator handy. We sat for JAMB without calculators and greatly excelled, but today with all the calculators and repetition of questions the failure rate has hut the roof.
Ladies and Gentleman,
WE'VE GOT TO BRING IT BACK
what say y'all

Edumamas with love

Good Old Days