WAEC Faults FG’s Suspension of 2020 WASSCE

The West African Examinations Council has faulted the suspension of the planned resumption of schools to prepare the candidates for the 2020 West African Senior School Certificate Examination.

While disclosing this on Thursday July 9, 2020, the WAEC’s Head of Nigeria’s Office, Patrick Areghan, stated that the examination body was still reviewing the situation and that it would make its position known soon.

He added that it is within the legitimate power of governments of the five-member countries to make such decisions.

The HNO declined comments on whether the examinations would continue in the other four countries or not until the “coast is clear.”

“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,” Mr Areghan said.

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

Nigeria’s minister of education, Adamu Adamu, had on Wednesday announced the reversal of the government’s earlier position on schools’ resumption, saying the atmosphere is yet unsafe for teaching and learning in the country.

Mr Adamu’s position was based on the rising cases of coronavirus diseases in the country, saying children would find it difficult to observe the required protocols including social distancing, to keep themselves safe if allowed to return to schools.