WAEC Reacts As Nigeria Makes U-turn On WASSCE, School Resumption

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has reacted to the abrupt U-turn made by the federal government on the resumption of schools across the country, and its earlier announcement of dates for the commencement of the 2020 May/June diet of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

The regional examination body said it is within the legitimate power of governments of the five-member countries to make such decisions.

In an exclusive telephone interview with PREMIUM TIMES, the WAEC’s Head of Nigeria’s Office (HNO), Patrick Areghan, said the examination body was still reviewing the situation and that it would make its position known soon.

Read Also: Special Adviser To Obiano On Students Matters Is Dead

Mr Areghan, who came into office in March 2020, was supposed to oversee the May/June 2020 examination, the first national examination under his watch until the coronavirus pandemic struck, forcing the indefinite postponement of the examination.

The HNO said he could not speak on whether the examinations would continue in the other four countries or not until the “coast is clear.”

He said; “We cannot make any categorical statement for now. We are operating in five-member countries and we cooperate with the government. We recognise the fact that the government has the right and power to take positions, and we cannot confront the government. We work hand in hand with the government.”

He, however, pledged to update the public as soon as final decisions are taken.