The West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) on Tuesday held a stakeholders commitee meeting across the 36 states of the federation.
Here in Rivers State, the meeting was held at the conference hall of the Rivers State Ministry of Education with various stakeholders in the education sector in attendance.
The meeting, held annually, seeks to review activities of the Council and their performance in relation to the conduct of West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
Speaking at the annual Commitee meeting, the State Commissioner for Education, Professor Kaniye Ebeku, noted that the meeting was essential to address some of the issues as it concerns the council .
Professor Ebeku urged the Council to collaborate with the State in the effective fight against examination malpractice.
He said “collaborate with us to make sure that we have a situation where in this State there will be no cases of malpractice and we will collaborate with you to blacklist all miracle centres”.
The Education Commissioner also frowned at a WAEC publication on the issue of irregularity reported in the print media against a private school in the State.
He said “as far as the school is concerned the Ministry is investigating the issue. It is a very serious issue and if we find anyone culpable we shall sanction such individual”.
Professor Ebeku emphasized that the State Government frowns at Examination irregularities and will not tolerate any attempt to disparage the state government over issues bordering on Examination Malfeasance which do not represent the realities.
In his address, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education, Sir. Chidi Adiele represented by Director Secondary, Dr. Amaka Joseph, expressed worry over the unsavoury conduct of WAEC staff nominated to oversee the WASSCE
For his part, the WAEC Zonal Director, Mr Suleman Kum, said the purpose of the commitee meeting is to afford the council the opportunity to rub minds with stakeholders in education to identify the problems bedevilling WAEC in the State.
Faustina Eugene-Nwanekwu
S.A Media to Hon. Commissioner for Education
13th October, 2021
