Timothy Omobude 
By: Innocent Okoh
The Edo State Ministry of Education conducted the 2025 Middle Basic Assessment (MBA) examination on Saturday, July 5, 2025, with over 3,000 learners from about 50 public and private schools participating in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.
Despite initial delays due to heavy rain, the examination commenced at 11 am, and the exercise was largely smooth and hitch-free. Journalists observed that the examination halls were filled to capacity, reflecting a significant increase in learner enrollment.
Supervisors Omosigho Matthew and Mrs. Charity Boro expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the Middle Basic Assessment (MBA) at Ase Primary School and Umagbae Secondary School examination centers respectively. Approximately 1,090 learners from 25 primary schools participated, and both centers had sufficient examination materials. The supervisors commended the cooperation of parents and learners, contributing to the smooth execution of the examination.
Speaking to journalists, education secretary of the LGA Mr. Elvis Ugiagbe, who went round the various centers to inspect the exercise, described the conduct of the examination as excellent, he praised the organizers for a job well done, noting that the conduct of the examination was excellent compared to last year. He commended the decentralization of the examination process and the involvement of private school proprietors.
The Education Secretary recommended that the State Ministry of Education build on the success of the examination by ensuring all centers start the exam simultaneously. He also suggested making provisions for reliable transportation to convey examination papers to centers, mitigating potential disruptions like the earlier heavy downpour.
This he said would further enhance the organization and smooth conduct of future examinations.
He said, “The examination is excellent compared to the one of last year, even owners of private schools are happy because they were carried along from onset to this stage. The question papers and answer sheets were enough for all the pupils, there’s no hiccups or shortfalls, as you can see all the area is serene and calm, the inspectors and invigilators are going over their duties intelligently.
“As at last year, this particular centre was rowdy and even examination malpractice was recorded here but today there is no such thing. I believe the right personnel were put in place. The examination exercise was decentralised and the proprietors of private schools were carried along.”
However, some parents and school representatives suggested that the Ministry consider increasing the number of examination centers to accommodate the growing number of learners and schools, as some students were forced to sit four to a seat designed for three.
The Ministry’s efforts to ensure a successful examination exercise were evident, and stakeholders have called for continued improvement, including provision for safe mobility to convey examination papers to centers and ensuring all centers start the examination at the same time.
