By Gabriella Ogbu
West Africa Examinations Council (WAEC) has assured that the ongoing exams across the country will proceed as scheduled, despite the nationwide strike called by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC). According to T.A.Y. Lawson, the Branch Controller (Ekiti) of WAEC, the strike will not impact the current West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
In a letter addressed to Ekiti State principals and school heads titled “Notice of Commencement of Indefinite Strike by NLC and TUC,” Lawson stated that the exams, which began on April 30 and are scheduled to end on June 20, will continue without disruption. Despite the impending strike, WAEC remains committed to conducting the exams as planned.
Highlighting the importance of ensuring that Nigerian students do not suffer due to the strike, Lawson emphasized that WAEC bears some of the costs associated with the unions’ actions. The letter urged school principals, supervisors, parents, and the public to make necessary arrangements for students to participate in the ongoing exams without interruption.
The strike, declared by the NLC and TUC, comes in response to the breakdown of negotiations over a new minimum wage proposal. Despite the labor unrest, WAEC remains steadfast in its commitment to administering the exams and ensuring the continuity of the educational process for students across Nigeria.