In a recent statement, Toyin Joseph, the director of Zion Study Centre and Leadership Academy, emphasised the pressing need for parents to monitor and limit their teenagers’ access to smartphones, particularly in light of the upcoming Unified Matriculation Tertiary Examination (UMTE) and the Joint Admission and Matriculation Examination (JAMB).
Joseph highlighted that last year, a significant number of students faced challenges in passing these critical examinations, attributing a large portion of this failure rate to students’ inability to focus and dedicate enough time to their studies.
He observed that many teenagers were spending excessive hours online, often engrossed in social media and other distractions, rather than concentrating on their academic responsibilities and covering the necessary syllabus.
He made this known in his recent seminar address to students, themed “Echoes from Zion”, at the Zion Towers, Kubwa, Abuja. Recognising the pivotal role that parents play in their children’s education and discipline, Joseph urged them to take a more proactive approach in guiding their wards.
He suggested that clear communication about study priorities, setting boundaries for smartphone usage, and encouraging a structured study routine could significantly enhance students’ concentration and overall performance. By curbing distractions and fostering a supportive environment, parents can better prepare their teenagers for academic success in these important examinations.He mentioned, “A key element in our students’ success has been their ability to manage and limit their access to smartphones. This reduction in distractions has allowed them to focus more intently on their studies. Parents play a crucial role in this process, as they are in a unique position to guide and support their children toward success. By fostering an environment that prioritises education and discipline, they can effectively contribute to their child’s academic achievements.
Over the past two decades, Zion Study Centre has implemented a robust and structured coaching program that has successfully guided students in achieving exceptional results, specifically reaching the coveted 300-point mark. In the most recent academic session, we celebrated an impressive milestone, producing ten students who scored 300 points, along with one outstanding student who achieved one of the highest scores in Abuja with 352 points. Alongside these achievements, several other students also excelled, attaining scores of 250 and above.”
One of the students, Alhassan Kabir, expressed his enthusiasm for the teaching methods at Zion Study Centre, noting a significant improvement in his grades on weekly tests since limiting his smartphone use.
He acknowledged the challenges of doing without a smartphone but emphasised that it’s essential for achieving academic success. Alhassan expressed his aspiration to join the ranks of Zion’s top-performing students this session.
Dr Sarah, a parent, praised the dedicated efforts of Zion Study Centre in fostering student success. She encouraged fellow parents to take an active role in guiding their children, particularly by minimising smartphone usage during exam preparation.“Parents need to be proactive. In addition to UTME and JAMB, students also have the WAEC examinations ahead, which can certainly be navigated without smartphones during this crucial time,” she stated.
THE GUARDIAN
