The West Africa Examination Council has urged organized labour to consider the impact of an indefinite strike on students preparing for the West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination.
WAEC’s Head of National Office, Dr Amos Dangut, empathized with the concerns of Nigerian workers and unions, many of whom are employed by WAEC and are members of the Nigeria Labour Congress or Trade Union Congress.
The strike, scheduled to begin on Monday, raises concerns about the disruption it could cause to the students’ academic schedules and preparations.
“The attention of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has been drawn to a notice of the commencement of an indefinite strike by NLC and TUC effective Monday, June 3.
“WAEC shares in the concerns of the generality of Nigerian workers, as most of its employees in Nigeria consist of members of both unions.
“It is also worthy of mention that the unions have always been partners with WAEC in the successful implementation of its mandate through the years.
“On this premise, therefore, we wish to, however, gently remind the unions of the ongoing conduct of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for School Candidates, 2024.
“The examination commenced in Nigeria and other member countries of WAEC, The Gambia, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, on April 30, and is scheduled to end by June 24.
“The week, June 3 to June 7, is scheduled for the conduct of such papers as physics, economics, government, and civic education across the federation and some West African countries,” the WAEC boss said.
He noted that any disruption in the activities and arrangements for the examination would significantly disadvantage candidates in their academic pursuits.
“We hereby appeal to all stakeholders and the unions to cooperate with the council, as always, to allow the continuous smooth and peaceful conduct of the examination as has been scheduled.
“We remain committed to excellence and the service of the Nigerian people within the mandate of the council,” he said.
