As the West African Senior School Certificate Examination, (WASSCE), commenced across the country and in all centres in Benue, the state Government has called on schools management to ensure that the exams are conducted without any form of malpractice.
The Commissioner for Education in the state, Prof. Dennis Ityavyar who spoke to our correspodent on phone also advised management and invigilators to ensure strict adherence to COVID-19 Protocols.
The Commissioner who expressed delight that students are able to get back for their exams, also cautioned parents against pressurising their children, saying parents should rather support them to read well so as to prevent them from cheating in the exam halls.
Ityavyar said, “two things are involved; we are in the period of COVID-19 and we are doing everything to ensure the safety of all; both teachers and students. So they must maintain Social distancing, wear face masks, wash their hands and use sanitizers for their safety.
“We are also very conscious of exam malpractice. So all schools and students should ensure they are not involved in any form of malpractice,” he said.
While wishing the students a successful WAEC examination, Mr. Ityavyar warned that WAEC officials are going round the schools in the state to ensure compliance and any school found wanting will be reported.
Meanwhile, our correspondent who visited some of the centres in Makurdi observed that as early as 9:30a.m, before the commencement of the examination, invigilators were already on ground, arranging the candidates and ensuring that COVID-19 protocols were strictly adhered to.
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At Government Model Secondary School Makurdi, the Principal, Mr Godwin Usuah said he was glad to see the final year class writing their examination in the face of the pandemic noting that all candidates have been compelled to wear their face mask to protect themselves and others.
He appealed to parents to encourage their children to observe Coronavirus protocols to guarantee their safety.
At the Angus College, Makurdi, the principal, Mr Gerald Atim said refresher lessons were done for the students and expressed hope that they will do well despite the long stay at home.
Mr Atim appealed to Government to provide palliatives to teachers to cushion the effect of non-payment of salaries due to the lockdown.
At HIDEVA Ideal Schools, the Principal, Professor Iorhemen Ikyereve assured that refresher lesson will continue despite the commencement of the examination and appealed to Government to extend assistance to private schools in the interest of the Benue Child.
Some students including Zipporah Abo and Jack Ugbenyo who spoke to our correspodent said they were prepared for the examination despite the lockdown and expressed hope that they will have a hitch-free examination.
They thanked their school teachers and management for the refresher lessons and prayed God to keep them safe from the Coronavirus throughout their exams.
