The House of Representatives has asked the Federal Government to reverse its decision on the review of the West African Examination Council (WAEC).
The Green Chamber urged President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday to guide the Ministry of Education to put in place all the necessary safety measures to allow the students to take part in the annual examination.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Nnoli Nnaji on the need to require students to participate in the COVID-19 pandemic-related 2020 test.
Nnaji clarified that on 6 July the Minister of State (Education), Emeka Nwajubia, declared that Nigeria would take part in the 2020 Senior Secondary School Examination (SSCE), adding that the decision was offset by another statement by the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, that Federal government-owned schools will not take part in the annual examination.
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Nnaji described the two announcements as confusing, adding that non-participation would affect the students negatively.
He said that after consultation with health experts and the 5 governments in the council, WAEC picked the new exam date, scheduled for 3rd August to 5th September 2020.
“The date was not selected arbitrarily, but rather WAEC consulted thoroughly with the government of all 5 countries that make up the council.”
“I’m concerned about the two ministers’ conflicting pronouncements within a short period. I’m worried that Nigeria’s non participation in the annual exam portends psychological, social-economic and negative health of the students, and already overburdened parents and guardians.
“The decision on our education system and Nigeria’s economy at large will be devastating. The students too will be upset.
“The federal government has reopened the market, airports, interstate travel and religious centers by taking precautionary measures. The same measures should be applied by Government.
The motion was adopted by House members without discussion, and guided the House committees on basic education and health care, compliance with legislation to ensure enforcement.
