(1) The performance of candidates was affected by the following exhibited weaknesses:
(a) non-adherence to rubrics;
(b) illegible handwritings;
(c) lack of understanding of the demands of the questions;
(d) rampant spelling mistakes and poor communication;
(e) poor mathematical/manipulative skills;
(f) poor study habits;
(g) inability to correctly distinguish between dative bond and covalent bond;
(h) inability to explain why sugar and common salt do not conduct electricity in
the solid state;
(i) poor knowledge of the concept of electrolysis;
(j) poor understanding of the periodic table;
(k) inability to correctly solve the calculation on solubility;
(1) Inability to balance chemical equation
These weaknesses were attributed to lack of relevant textbooks, inadequate
preparation for examination and non-familiarization with the prescribed examination
syllabus.
(2) The following remedies were however suggested to overcoming the highlighted
remedies
(a) Candidates should:
(i) adhere to rubrics;
(ii) write legibly;
(iii) be conversant with prescribed examination syllabus;
(iv) improve their mathematical/manipulative and communication skills;
(v) acquire relevant text materials and visit libraries;
(vi) improve study/reading habits;
(vii) prepare adequately for examination.
(b) School Authority/Government should:
(i) recruit qualified teachers;
(ii) adequately remunerate teachers;
(iii) stock the schoollibrary(ies) with relevant text materials;
(iv) adequately stock the laboratories;
(v) encourage teachers by means of sponsorship to attend trainings and
workshop that will expose them to know frontiers of knowledge.