The Branch Controller for Ekiti of the West Africa Examinations Council (WAEC), Mrs. T.A.Y. Lawson, has assured that the nationwide strike scheduled to commence on Monday will not disrupt the ongoing WAEC examinations in Ekiti State or across the country.
In a letter addressed to school principals and heads in Ekiti State, titled “Notice of Commencement of Indefinite Strike by NLC and TUC” and referenced EK/BC/SC/EXAM/07/Vol.1/89, Mrs. Lawson confirmed that the exams will continue as planned. The current examination timetable, which started on Tuesday, April 30, will conclude on Thursday, June 20, 2024.
"The attention of Management has been drawn to a notice of the commencement of an indefinite strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) effective Monday, June 3, 2024," the letter read. "Please be formally informed that the conduct of WASSCE SC 2024 goes on as scheduled."
Mrs. Lawson emphasized that while the examination body acknowledges the concerns of the unions, students should not be adversely affected by missing their exams. She called on school principals, supervisors, parents, and the general public to ensure that candidates are able to sit for their exams as planned.
"In as much as we share the concerns of the unions and the generality of Nigerians, the WASSCE SC is ongoing across the member countries of WAEC, and the Nigerian child should not be put at a disadvantage of missing the exam," she noted. "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."
This assurance comes in the wake of the announcement by organized labor groups, including the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress, to commence an indefinite strike following a breakdown in negotiations over the proposed new minimum wage.
