The Branch Controller of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) in Ekiti, Mrs. T.A.Y. Lawson, has assured that the nationwide strike set to commence on Monday will not disrupt the ongoing examinations across the country.
In a letter addressed to principals and school proprietors in Ekiti State, titled “Notice of Commencement of Indefinite Strike by NLC and TUC” and bearing reference number EK/BC/SC/EXAM/07/Vol.1/89,
Mrs. Lawson emphasised that the conduct of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for School Candidates 2024 will proceed as planned.
The letter, issued late Friday, stated: “The attention of management has been drawn to a notice of the commencement of an indefinite strike by NLC and TUC effective Monday, 3rd June 2024. Please be formally informed that the conduct of WASSCE SC 2024 goes on as scheduled.”
Mrs. Lawson acknowledged the concerns raised by the unions but stressed the importance of ensuring that students do not miss their exams. “In as much as we share the concerns of the unions and the generality of Nigerians, the WASSCE SC is going on across the member countries of WAEC and the Nigerian child should not be put at a disadvantage of missing the exam,” she stated.
She urged school principals, supervisors, parents, and the general public to make adequate arrangements for their candidates to sit for the exams, emphasising the critical nature of maintaining the examination schedule. “For the aforesaid reason, WAEC will conduct the exam, and school principals, supervisors, parents, and the general public should please take note and make adequate arrangements for their candidates to sit the exam. Kindly be guided accordingly,” the letter concluded.
This assurance comes as a relief to many stakeholders who were concerned about the potential impact of the strike on the academic calendar and the future of the students.