By Gabriel Dike
The Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa on Thursday hailed the contributions of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to the education of Nigerian child.
Governor Okowa, who declared open the 60th annual meeting of the Nigeria National Committee (NNC) of WAEC in Asaba, Delta State, warned that examination malpractice is threatening the foundation of the nation’s education sector.
Okowa, who was represented by the Secretary to the state Government, Chief Patrick Ukah, urged the NNC and management to WAEC not to rest on their oars in evolving new strategies and initiatives that would drastically reduce the incidence of exam malpractice or eliminate it.
His words: “On our part, we will continue to provide an enabling environment for pupils and students in our primary and secondary schools, and also urge parents to participate in the educational development of their wards.”
Okowa also warned that the state government would sanction any school found wanting or aiding exam fraud during internal or external examinations.
The governor observed that in spite of the myriad of problems plaguing education sector in the country, WAEC has remained a symbol of success in the promotion of quality education as well as regional cooperation among the English-speaking countries in West Africa.
He acknowledged that WAEC embarked on initiative to enhance quality of its services and recorded landmark archievements and for taking advantage of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
Okowa informed the gathering that the state under his administration has experienced a robust improved in the areas of funding, empowerment of teachers and equipping schools.
In his welcome address, Head of Nigeria WAEC, Mr. Patrick Areghan, said the NNC is the highest policy making organ of the council that it ensure policies of the council are formulated and executed in the best public interest, and to guarantee the smooth conduct of operations in every part of the country.
He reassured Nigerians that WAEC would continue to deliver its mandate of being a World-class examining body as well as add value to the educational goals of its stakeholders.