God disciplines those He loves
If
there is one school that flourished in the Madi Corridor before the last
decade, it is Nimule Model Secondary School. Endowed with a strong culture of
sports and academic excellence, Nimule Model SS outshone many other schools in
the corridor and across the state. The school has consistently registered one
of the highest student enrolments every academic year due to its openness to
admissions and its central location, which makes it accessible to many
families.
However,
this glory has gradually faded over the past seven years. Following the
breakdown of the education system during the 2016 conflict, the country
witnessed widespread examination malpractice, and Nimule Model SS was not
spared. Teachers became increasingly discouraged as some students openly
disrespected them, relying on what they called "machot" to pass
examinations. While other schools have improved, Nimule Model SS continues to
struggle with indiscipline. Cheating in examinations, fighting, and even
threatening teachers by some rogue students remain alarming concerns. As a
result, a significant number of the school's 2025/2026 examination results were
cancelled, placing the institution under serious damages.
This
article proposes several solutions that can help Nimule Model SS restore its
academic reputation and discipline.
Reduce
Enrollment or Increase Staff Numbers
The
school administration should either reduce student enrolment or increase the
number of teachers in order to achieve a more manageable teacher-student ratio.
Teaching at Nimule Model SS is often challenging due to overcrowded classrooms.
In one of the classes I taught in 2018, there were 304 students divided into
only two streams. Imagine teaching English language, a subject that requires
regular assessment and individual attention. It was not easy.
In
such large classes, it becomes difficult to know students personally or
effectively monitor their behaviour and academic progress. Consequently, discipline
problems can easily develop unnoticed. On one examination occasion, the
administration reportedly had to seek military intervention when students
attempted to forcefully engage in examination malpractice. To contain
indiscipline, the school should either reduce enrolment or increase the number
of teachers.
Strengthen
Admission and Enrollment Assessment
The
school should introduce a thorough assessment process for both new and
continuing students to evaluate their academic honesty and integrity. Many
students transfer from other schools without proper verification of their
records, while others may present forged documents or results.
In
today's AI-driven world, distinguishing genuine academic records from
fabricated ones is becoming increasingly difficult. Some students may forge
transfer letters or examination results to gain admission. It is therefore the
responsibility of the administration to carefully verify all admission
documents and enforce strict enrolment procedures. The primary goal of
enrolment should not be revenue generation but rather the production of
disciplined and academically sound students.
Strictly
Enforce School Rules and Policies
Another
important step is the strict implementation of school regulations and policies.
Unfortunately, some school administrators hesitate to enforce disciplinary
measures because they fear losing academically brilliant or talented students
who exhibit poor behaviour.
Every
school has rules and policies designed to govern student conduct, but weak
enforcement often leads to examination malpractice, fighting, disrespect toward
teachers, and other forms of indiscipline. Regardless of the cost, Nimule Model
SS must apply its rules fairly and consistently to all students. This is
essential for protecting the school's reputation and preventing further
deterioration of discipline.
Conclusion
Although
this article is directed specifically to Nimule Model Secondary School, many
school administrators can benefit from these recommendations. Student
discipline is fundamental to promoting a positive school image and creating an
environment that supports learning.
It
is better for a school to achieve average academic results with strong
discipline than to excel academically while producing students with poor
character and behaviour. Schools should reduce enrolment to match available
teaching staff, strengthen admission assessments, and enforce school
regulations consistently. These measures can help minimise and control the
transfer and spread of indiscipline while restoring academic excellence and
institutional integrity.
Abunerry
Writer, Critic, and Poet
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