I remain against admission cut-offs in secondary schools. They are medieval and discriminatory.

There is no scientific proof that one with aggregate 6 from Presec Primary where over 10 teachers teach in JHS is academically better or has a higher IQ than one with aggregate 36 from Mafi Dugame where one teacher taught the entire JHS in 2021.

Even if so proven, every child must have access to basic and secondary education with relevant learning outcomes before entering the world of work.

During my first visit to Brazil in 2010 to study school free secondary education models, I discovered the least qualified taxi driver was a secondary school graduate.

Their approach to business, given the quality of secondary education served in that country would likely to be better than a primary school graduate-productivity.

Today, Ghana has one of the most youthful populations in the world with about 60% aged below 25. It is important to make the minimum human capital standards for all, the equivalent of a secondary education.

To achieve this, our basic education system must strengthen career guidance to identify non-academic interests, potentials, nurture and direct students into those pathways.

The guidance system must be deliberate in facilitating the direction of at least 20% of primary students to skills and creative arts pathways by JHS, and nurture till second cycle- Creative Arts School, TVET, Agric Colleges etc..

The former Minister of Education introduced Creative Arts Schools, which is commendable. More non-academic pathways are required to nurture non- academic talents, including sports academies.

Teachers and parents must have conversations on potential careers in view of pupil performances in school. These must manifest in teacher KPIs.

Not allowing aggregate 40-50 students to enter secondary school is never a solution but the opposite. The most important thing is, learning must take place in secondary schools.

At the end of the day, the student you abandon for holding Agg 45 may be the one to build your house for you. The quality and skill he exhibits, among others, may depend on the education you served or denied him.

Remember; education is a public good. One’s consumption must not affect the other’s enjoyment.

My opinion. What is yours?