Exam malpractices: Rivers govt demotes 14 school principals

The Rivers State government has announced the demotion of 14 principals of public schools which are among the 35 secondary schools banned by the West African Examination Council (WAEC) from presenting candidates for the West African Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) over their involvement in examination malpractices in Rivers State.

The state Commissioner for Education, Professor Kaniye Ebeku who announced this on Monday said the private schools delisted by WAEC might risk withdrawal of their approval certificate.

He emphasised that the state government had taken steps against examination malpractices in the past with dismissal and suspension of principals, staff and withdrawal of approval certificates of private schools involved.

Professor Ebeku who told Nigerian Tribune that the ministry received the letter from WAEC and had already informed the schools affected, frowned that those at the helm of affairs who allowed such to happen would not go unpunished.

The commissioner also reiterated the state government’s zero tolerance for examination malpractice, adding that necessary actions had been taken against the schools, just as he said that the state government had taken steps against examination malpractices in the past.

The state Ministry Education has forwarded the letter de-recognising the affected schools signed by the Deputy Registrar/Zonal Coordinator for Head of National Office of West African Examinations Council (WAEC), S.D. Kum to all concerned schools and for the notice of the public.

He noted that the schools affected by the ban would not register candidates for the examination until further notice.