Some parents and teachers blame children for failing important exams like WAEC (Secondary school leaving exams) and Common Entrance (primary school leaving exams), they may assume the root cause is laziness or lack of effort. However, the truth may be more complex. Behind the poor exam performance, there may be hidden challenges such as learning disabilities, exam anxiety, poor teaching methods, or even inadequate school support.

This brief write up explores why some children in Nigeria fail these exams by looking beyond laziness, encouraging empathy, creating awareness, and exploring practical solutions.

Understanding the Pressure of WAEC and Common Entrance in Nigeria

WAEC (West African Examinations Council) and Common Entrance exams are major academic milestones in Nigeria. They often determine a child’s educational future, with WAEC results affecting university admissions and Common Entrance influencing secondary school placements.

The pressure to succeed is enormous, from parents, teachers, and society at large. This environment sometimes creates unrealistic expectations and high stress for children.

Why Kids Fail: It’s Not Always Laziness

Parents may quickly label their child as lazy when exam results are poor. But laziness may not be the culprit. Several more complex factors such as those listed below may contribute:

1. Learning Disabilities and Cognitive Challenges

A significant number  children struggle due to undiagnosed learning disabilities like dyslexia, ADHD, or slow processing speed. These conditions make reading, concentrating, or remembering information harder, causing exam performance to suffer.

Since awareness about learning disabilities is low in Nigeria, children can go undetected and unsupported. They may seem inattentive or careless, but may in reality need tailored help.

2. Exam Anxiety and Fear

Exams can cause intense anxiety, affecting concentration, memory recall, and confidence. Children who face pressure to excel sometimes develop fear that blocks their ability to perform.

Signs may include excessive worry, stomach aches, panic attacks, or blanking out during exams.

3. Poor Teaching and Learning Environment

A significant number of schools in Nigeria struggle with overcrowded classrooms, scarcity or a complete lack of teaching aids, and sometimes undertrained teachers which may result in an inability to engage or adapt to diverse learners, resulting in children falling behind.

Repetitive rote learning a method sometimes adopted without highlighting the need for analysis and deep thought or understanding can leave students unprepared to apply knowledge in exams.

4. Lack of Parental Support or Guidance

In some homes, parents may be unable to provide adequate academic support, supervision, or encouragement. Busy schedules, low literacy, or misconceptions about education can limit a child’s study environment.

5. Language Barriers and Curriculum Challenges

Some children in Nigeria learn in English, which might be their second or third language. Poor grasp of English can make exam questions difficult to understand.

Moreover, the curriculum may not always reflect local contexts, making learning feel disconnected or irrelevant.

The Emotional Impact of Exam Failure on children in Nigeria

Failing these critical exams can affect children emotionally, leading to feelings of shame, low self-esteem, anger, or hopelessness. Because failure is sometimes stigmatized in Nigerian society, children may avoid discussing their struggles or pretend to be “fine.”

This emotional toll can further affect their academic performance and motivation.

What Parents and Teachers Can Do: Moving Beyond Blame

1. Recognize That Laziness Is Not the Default Explanation

Understand that poor exam results may have underlying causes. Be patient and open-minded when your child struggles.

2. Watch for Signs of Learning Difficulties

If a child has consistent trouble reading, writing, focusing, or organizing, consider seeking an assessment by education professionals or psychologists.

3. Provide Emotional Support

Create a safe space where your child can talk about fears and frustrations without judgment. Encourage effort and progress rather than just grades.

4. Improve Study Habits and Environment

Help children create a quiet, distraction-free study area. Develop a study schedule with regular breaks and varied activities to keep them engaged.

5. Encourage Active Learning and Understanding

Rather than rote memorization, help children understand concepts through examples, discussions, and practical exercises.

6. Seek Additional Help When Needed

Consider extra tuition, peer study groups, or special education services for children who need more support.

7. Collaborate with Teachers

Maintain communication with your child’s teachers to track progress and identify challenges early.

Changing the Conversation About Exam Failure in Nigeria

It’s time to move away from shame and blame toward empathy and action. Public awareness campaigns, school workshops, and parent education can help destigmatize learning challenges and promote inclusive education.

Creating a supportive Nigerian community that values each child’s potential helps reduce dropout rates and builds a stronger future.

Final Thoughts: Understanding Is the First Step to Success

Failing WAEC or Common Entrance can be a symptom of challenges rather than laziness. By recognizing the real causes and offering targeted support, parents and educators in Nigeria can help children overcome obstacles and achieve their academic dreams.

Together, we can foster a more understanding, patient, and effective educational system that allows every Nigerian child to thrive.