By our reporter| The federal government on Friday raised the possibility that this year’s West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) maybe postponed.
In a statement on Friday, Ben Goong, director of information, federal ministry of education, quoted Emeka Nwajiuba, minister of state for education, as saying West African Examination Council (WAEC) is considering the option following a meeting government officials held with the examination body on Monday.
According to the statement, discussions will continue with four other countries to determine a new date for the examination.
The statement further stated that schools have been given till July 29, 2020, to ensure that their facilities are ready for resumption in line with the ministry’s guidelines for safe reopening of places of learning and that a decision would be taken after the July 29 deadline on resumption of schools for all categories of students.
The statement read in part, “We have consulted widely with stakeholders in the sector, including commissioners of education in all the states of the federation, the Association of Private School Owners of Nigeria,(APSON), National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools,(NAPPS), Provosts of Colleges of Education, Rectors of Polytechnics, Vice-Chancellors of Universities, some State Governors, and development partners.”
“On WAEC, we met with WAEC on Monday and have agreed to further consult with four other countries on new examination date.
“We appreciate the concern shown by all stakeholders and note the divergent views expressed on the matter.
“Parents should rest assured that the safety of our students and teachers is paramount as we work assiduously towards the speedy reopening of our schools for the exit classes to take external examinations.”
WASSCE had been scheduled to begin on August 4, but the federal government pulled students of unity schools from participating in the examination owing to COVID-19 concerns.
Leave a Reply