The Katsina State Government has formally called for the cancellation of the recently conducted English Language examination by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), citing severe disruptions that marred the process.
The call was made on Saturday by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Hajiya Zainab Musa-Musawa, during an official visit to the WAEC office in Katsina. This stance was backed by a petition signed by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Hajiya Ummukhair Ahmed.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the state government expressed discontent over the significant delay in the commencement of the exam nationwide, which reportedly started several hours later than scheduled on Wednesday.
WAEC attributed the delay to heightened efforts aimed at curbing examination malpractice, particularly the prevention of question paper leaks.
However, Commissioner Musa-Musawa described the situation as unacceptable, revealing that some students were forced to sit the exam late into the night under dire conditions.
“Students had to write the examination at night without electricity, relying on torchlights, mobile phone lights, and security lights,” she stated.
She appealed for calm among schools, parents, and local communities, urging them to await the outcome of the petition.
The Katsina State Government’s demand adds to growing criticism of WAEC’s handling of the examination, with various stakeholders, including students and education groups, calling for accountability and reform.
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