Why A-Level results expose basic mathematics dilemma

Dar es Salaam. The 2026 Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (ACSEE) results have once again pointed to strong national academic performance, with an overwhelming majority of candidates passing and many attaining top divisions. However, beneath the impressive overall results lies a stubborn and revealing challenge that continues to confront the education system: Basic Applied Mathematics.

The results, announced yesterday by the Executive Secretary of the National Examinations Council of Tanzania (Necta), Prof Said Mohamed, show that 125,056 school candidates, equivalent to 99.92 percent of all candidates with results, passed the examination, while only 97 candidates failed.