Chris Infotainment

Key Requirements for Schools Transitioning to Computer-Based Testing The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has set clear guidelines for schools preparing for the full shift to computer-based testing (CBT) for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination by 2026. These requirements aim to ensure a smooth and efficient transition, enhancing both the quality and security of the examination process. Mr. Lucky Njoagwuani, Head of Examinations at WAEC, shared these details during a sensitization program held in Port Harcourt. He emphasized that schools must meet specific infrastructure standards to accommodate the new system effectively. Among the key facilities required are: At least 250 functional laptops, with 10% backup units A strong computer server capable of handling 250 systems simultaneously A Local Area Network (LAN) setup to support seamless connectivity In addition to technological infrastructure, schools must also provide adequate environmental condition...

A New Era for Education City and Pakistan's Economic Development The Sindh Chief Minister, Syed Murad Ali Shah, has announced a significant development in the province’s growth strategy by signing landmark agreements that mark a historic milestone for both Sindh and Pakistan. These agreements pave the way for the creation of the country's largest Special Technology Zone (STZ), alongside major investments in renewable energy and energy storage solutions. The signing ceremony took place at the CM House, where several key figures were present, including Energy Ministers, officials from the Education City Board, and representatives from the Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA). Notable attendees included Chairman Education City Board Dr Asim Hussain, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Syed Qasim Naveed, PSCM Agha Wasif, Chairman STZA Azfra Manzoor, Secretary Investment Khurram Shahzad, and PD Education City Abrar Ahmad. International participants such as Jo Hanns Dieter...

Growing Challenges in Islamabad's Public Schools The public education system in Islamabad is facing increasing pressure due to a surge in student enrollment, driven by the city’s population growth and the continued preference for government-run schools. Despite these challenges, officials have acknowledged the situation and highlighted ongoing efforts to expand infrastructure and improve facilities. According to the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE), there are currently around 423 public schools and colleges in the capital, serving more than 200,000 students. The population of Islamabad has grown significantly over the years, rising from approximately 800,000 in 1998 to over 2 million today. This rapid growth has led to overcrowded classrooms, with many now accommodating 40 or more students—far exceeding the international benchmark of 30 students per class. Parents have expressed mixed views on the situation. Many see it as a reflection of both financial constraints and tru...

Punjab Education Department Takes Action Against Underperforming Schools The Punjab School Education Department (SED) has recently taken a significant step by issuing show-cause notices to school heads across the province due to their poor performance in recent matriculation examinations. This move is aimed at holding educational institutions accountable for their results and ensuring that students receive quality education. Over 124 principals, vice principals, and teachers have been targeted with these notices, according to official sources within the SED. They are required to provide explanations for the subpar performance of their respective schools. The department has emphasized that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance accountability and improve the overall standard of education in the region. The affected schools include more than 60 institutions in Lahore and other districts, where student success rates have fallen below the board average. These schools n...

Addressing Communication Barriers in Deaf Education Advocates for inclusive education are urging the Federal Ministry of Education and state governments to integrate the Hausa language into the curriculum of Deaf and Special Schools in Northern Nigeria. They argue that this move would help bridge the communication gap between deaf students and their families, fostering better understanding and connection. Comrade Yusuf Yahaya Kumo, founder of Inclusive Reporters and a prominent Deaf advocate, highlighted the challenges faced by many deaf children in predominantly Hausa-speaking communities. He explained that these children often grow up isolated at home because they are neither taught Hausa nor English effectively. As a Deaf person, he emphasized that communication barriers are one of the biggest challenges for individuals with hearing impairments, especially within their families and other social environments. Kumo pointed out that in many Northern families, parents primarily speak...

A Tale of Two Pakistans: The Education Divide in Punjab In a quiet, sunlit classroom in Lahore, high school students in navy blue blazers click through slides for their class presentations. The air conditioner hums overhead, the smart board glows softly, and a teacher trained in the UK offers gentle feedback. These students are preparing to apply to universities in Canada, the UK, and the USA. They speak English fluently, discuss global developments with ease, and reference texts from economics, philosophy, and literature. Two hundred kilometers south in rural Punjab, a Grade 9 student recites his lesson under a fan that barely turns in the July heat. His classroom has no functional toilet, no computer, and no books beyond the government-issued Urdu and science textbooks. His teacher is present today, a welcome change, but speaks more about managing attendance and discipline than higher-order concepts. University abroad is not on his radar. For now, he hopes to finish Grade 10, maybe...

Key Developments in the School Education Bill After nearly two years of discussion and deliberation, the Parliament's Education, Health and Information Technology Committee has finally endorsed the School Education Bill. The approval came despite reservations from several opposition parties, including the CPN (Maoist Centre), the Rastriya Swatantra Party, and the Rastriya Prajatantra Party. These groups expressed concerns over specific provisions within the bill. The bill was supposed to be tabled in Parliament by June 29, but the process took an additional two months due to significant disagreements among political parties. One of the main points of contention was the role of Early Childhood facilitators, who are responsible for teaching students before Grade 1. The ruling parties and the opposition remained divided on whether all scholarship recipients from private schools should also be entitled to free hostel facilities. Under the Free and Compulsory Education Act, schools w...

GCSE Resits for English and Maths Under Scrutiny The current system of GCSE resits for English and Mathematics is under intense scrutiny as pass rates for these core subjects have reached their lowest levels in a decade. Students who fail to achieve at least a grade 4 in either subject are required to retake the exams repeatedly until they meet this standard, with the requirement extending up to the age of 18. However, recent results indicate a concerning trend, with the overall pass rate for English dropping to 60.2%, marking the worst performance since 2004, while the pass rate for maths fell to 58.3%, down from 59.5% in the previous year. This decline has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the current resit model, particularly among vulnerable groups such as white working-class children, who are disproportionately affected. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson highlighted that these students are among the least likely to meet the targets set for these subjects. The situa...

New Discipline Measures in El Salvador’s Public Schools El Salvador has introduced a series of strict new rules in its public schools, aimed at enforcing military-style discipline. These measures include daily inspections for short haircuts and neat uniforms, as well as weekly "Civic Monday" drills. The changes were mandated by the country's new education minister, Karla Trigueros, a high-ranking military officer. The new regulations require students to maintain clean and tidy uniforms, with boys wearing closely cropped haircuts. Principals must greet students at the entrance of over 5,100 public schools, ensuring that they enter in an orderly manner with respectful greetings. Failure to comply could result in serious administrative consequences for school principals. The rules also emphasize the importance of personal presentation and discipline among students. They are required to approach the entrance in an orderly fashion, greet teachers respectfully, and maintain ...

Expansion of Digital Learning in Punjab The Punjab Education Department has launched a significant initiative aimed at modernizing classrooms and enhancing digital learning opportunities for students. Under this education project, tablet computers will be distributed to 5,780 schools across the province. This move is part of a broader strategy to integrate technology into the educational system and provide students with access to updated learning tools. In Lahore, approximately 445 schools will benefit from this program, while Faisalabad will see 439 schools receiving tablets. The Multan Division will also be included, with 211 schools set to receive the devices. This wide distribution ensures that the initiative reaches various regions of Punjab, making it an inclusive and impactful effort. Officials have confirmed that the tablets will be handed over to the relevant school authorities on August 25 and 26. This timeline allows for timely distribution and quick implementation of the...

Schools in Karachi Remain Closed Amid Ongoing Rainfall Following a two-day closure due to heavy rainfall, several private schools in Karachi have decided to keep their doors shut for students today. This decision comes as the city continues to experience adverse weather conditions, prompting concerns about the safety and well-being of students. While there has been no official announcement from government schools regarding any closures, many private institutions have taken it upon themselves to remain closed. Some of these schools have also opted to shift classes online, allowing students to continue their education without disruption. This move reflects the growing uncertainty surrounding the weather and the need to prioritize student safety. The recent closure of schools was initially triggered by persistent rainfall that affected the entire city on August 20 and 21. During this period, both public and private educational institutions were forced to suspend operations, leading to ...

BISE Punjab Announces Class 9th Annual Examination Results The Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) in Punjab have officially released the results for the class 9th annual examinations. This announcement marks a significant milestone for students who have completed their secondary education, as it determines their academic progression and future opportunities. In Lahore, the results were declared by Rizwan Nazir, Secretary of the Lahore Board, and Tauseef-ur-Rehman, Controller of Examinations. The data reveals an overall participation of 308,073 students across the region. Out of these, 138,894 candidates successfully passed the exams, resulting in an overall pass percentage of 45.08%. This figure highlights the challenges faced by students in achieving academic success at this level. Breaking down the results further, the Science Group saw a total of 235,247 candidates taking the exams. Of these, 111,681 students passed, leading to a pass percentage of 47.47%. This...

Exceptional Achievements at The City School Ravi Campus The City School Ravi Campus has once again set a new benchmark in academic excellence with its O Level students achieving remarkable success in the Cambridge Examinations 2025. This accomplishment is a testament to the unwavering dedication of the students, the supportive environment provided by the school, and the expert guidance from the teaching staff. The results have not only brought pride to the institution but also inspired a sense of achievement among the student community. Among the standout performers, one name stands out—Zaid bin Shakir. His exceptional performance in the exams has captured the attention of both the school and the broader educational community. Zaid secured an impressive 9 A grades and 1 A*, a feat that highlights his deep understanding of the subjects and his commitment to academic excellence. His achievement has been celebrated as a milestone, not just for him personally, but for the entire school c...

The Crisis of Girls' Education in Pakistan The issue of girls' access to education remains one of the most pressing challenges in Pakistan. According to recent research, approximately 12 million girls are not attending school, making them a significant portion of the out-of-school population. While poverty plays a role in some cases—high educational costs often prevent families from enrolling their daughters—it is not the sole factor at play. Deep-seated cultural norms and societal biases continue to deny girls their right to education, especially in rural areas and among more conservative households. This discrimination has historical roots that stretch back to the pre-Islamic era, when female infants were sometimes buried alive due to the belief that they were a burden. This dark period, known as the 'Daur-e-Jahiliyyah,' valued male children while devaluing females. Although this practice is long gone, the mindset it fostered still lingers today. In many parts of Pa...

9th Class Results for 2025: A Deep Dive into the Numbers The Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Lahore has released the 9th class results for 2025, revealing a concerning trend in the education system. Out of the total 314,375 students who registered for the exams, 308,073 appeared in the annual assessments. However, only 138,894 students managed to pass, resulting in an overall pass rate of 45.08 percent. This figure has sparked widespread discussions about the quality of education and the effectiveness of exam preparation across various institutions. Subject-Wise Performance: Science vs. Humanities The breakdown of results by subject highlights significant disparities. In the science group, 235,247 students took the exams, with 47.47 percent passing. On the other hand, the humanities group saw 72,826 students appear, but only 37.37 percent passed. While science students performed slightly better than their humanities counterparts, both groups showed weak overall ...

Rising Concerns Over University Admissions and Diversity Targets Recent data has revealed a growing trend in university admissions, where students with A-level grades as low as three Es are being accepted into higher education institutions. This practice is being used by several top universities across the UK to meet government-mandated diversity, equality, and inclusion (EDI) targets. According to figures from the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), institutions such as the University of East Anglia, Oxford Brookes, and Kent University have been accepting students who do not meet traditional entry requirements. These universities are reportedly using this strategy to address the so-called 'access gap' between different student groups. The Office for Students (OfS), a government-backed regulator, has encouraged universities to be more ambitious in reducing inequality. If they fail to narrow this gap by the end of the year, they could face financial penalties....

A New Era of Education Innovation FutureEd Fest 2025, Thailand's national celebration of education innovation, is set to return for its third year with a press conference that officially launched the event under the bold theme "AI-Driven, Human-Centred, and Equitable Learning." The event took place on 6 August 2025 at Thai PBS and was broadcast live nationwide. It emphasized a shared mission to co-create a more sustainable and inclusive education system for a rapidly changing world. This year’s programme continues to build on the momentum of previous years, showcasing strong collaboration from government agencies, the private sector, universities, and educational networks across the country. The 2025 edition is structured around four key thematic pillars: AI and Human Potential: Transforming Education Innovation and Maker Education for Future-Ready Learners Equity in Education: Local Solutions for Inclusive Learning Shaping Future-Ready Schools and Lifelong Lear...