The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has confirmed that its examinations will proceed as planned, despite the nationwide strike announced by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its affiliated unions.
This information was communicated in a memo addressed to school principals, dated May 31, and signed by A.T.A.Y Lawson on behalf of the WAEC Head of National Office.
In the memo, WAEC stated, “Please be formally informed that the conduct of WASSCE SC 2024 goes on as scheduled.”
The council emphasized that its exams are being conducted across various West African countries, and Nigerian students should not be put at a disadvantage by missing these exams.
“While we understand and share the concerns of the unions and the general public in Nigeria, the WASSCE SC is taking place across all member countries of WAEC.
Therefore, the Nigerian child should not be deprived of the opportunity to participate in these exams,” WAEC explained.
The nationwide strike, initiated by the NLC and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, is a result of the federal government’s failure to meet their demands for an increased minimum wage.
The NLC is demanding a minimum wage of N494,000, citing the rising cost of living, while the federal government has offered to raise it to N60,000.