By Buba Gagigo
The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE) has unveiled the 2023 Gambia Basic Education Certificate Examination (GABECE) results for Grade 9, revealing that 41 students achieved an aggregate score of 6.
MoBSE reported that the total number of candidates who enrolled for the 2023 GABECE was 28,255 students. Out of these, 27,402 candidates took at least one subject, comprising 59% females and 41% males.
“There are 41 students with Aggregate 6 in 2023 GABECE which shows a remarkable increase of 10 students with aggregate 6 this year compared to 2022 which was 31 students. Out of the 41 students with aggregate 6 in this year’s Exams, 23 are girls and 18 are boys. This number constituted 21 (51%) from the public schools and 20 (49%) from the private schools,” the ministry announced on Monday.
MoBSE also said this year’s GABECE has seen ‘significant’ improvement in the trend of candidates with an aggregate score of 42 or less by Region over the last three years.
“Nationally, the number has increased from 13,424 in 2022 to 13,626 in 2023. Regionally, the number has increased in Regions 2 & 3 whilst dropped in the other Regions, particularly in Region 5 North and South. Although, the number of passes in the four core subjects has increased in English, Math, and Science, there is a drop in Social and Environmental Studies (SES) comparing 2022 to 2023. The overall proportion of candidates with aggregate 42 or less across the nation is stagnated at 49.7%, comparing the years 2022 and 2023,” they said.
The ministry However said, the number of candidates with aggregate 42 or less has consistently increased for girls from 2021 to 2023 as they continued to outshine boys over the last three years.
“In conclusion, the 2023 GABECE results offer a nuanced perspective on academic achievement, showcasing both the strengths and challenges of our students. Furthermore, the remarkable performance of girls in the past three years has revealed the need for continued efforts in promoting gender equity and gender equality in education.MoBSE remains committed to nurturing the talents of our students and improving accessible, equitable, and all-inclusive quality education for all. We urge students, educators, and all stakeholders in education to continue to work hard for the attainment of the quality education we are all yearning for,” MoBSE said.