TheCable

The federal government says the West African Examination Council (WAEC) is considering shifting the date of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

In a statement on Friday, Ben Goong, director of information, federal ministry of education, quoted Emeka Nwajiuba, minister of state for education, as saying this as a result of a meeting which held on Monday.

WASSCE had been scheduled to begin on August 4, but the federal government announced that students of unity schools would not participate in the examination owing to COVID-19 concerns.

However, according to the statement, discussions will continue with four other countries to determine a new date for the examination.

Goong added that schools have been given till July 29, 2020, to ensure that their facilities are ready for resumption in line with the guidelines issued by the ministry of education for safe reopening of places of learning.

The ministry said a decision would be taken after the July 29 deadline on resumption of schools for all categories of learners.

“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,” Nwajiuba was quoted as saying.

“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.”

TheCable had asked its readers to state their position on whether the examination should go on despite COVID-19. You can also participate in the poll.