WAEC readjusts exam timetable to accommodate Jumat service

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has effected a minor adjustment in its timetable for the 2018 May/June Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

This followed complaints by some Muslim stakeholders that the board allowed part of its examination to clash with the Friday Jummat prayer.

In the timetable for the 2018 May/June examination, the Chemistry paper was scheduled for 2pm to 5pm on Friday, April 20. Muslim Friday prayers usually hold between 1:30 pm to 3pm.

But Muslim stakeholders, notably the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), accused WAEC of insensitivity and described the timetable as an “injustice” against Muslims.

The president of the organization, Professor Ishaq Akintola, was quoted in a statement as saying that the development further showed that Muslims had become “endangered species.”

“When there is no justice, there can never be peace and everyone is clamouring for peace,” he said said.

According to him, WAEC had fixed examinations during Jummat sessions for some years and Muslim leaders discussed with the council in 2016 and 2017.

“Until something starts happening, until the Muslims start disrupting WAEC examination, until Muslims start tearing WAEC examination materials, that is when government will start paying attention.

“WAEC is playing games and they want the Muslims to make noise every year “

He accused WAEC of deliberately provoking Muslims “it has continued to show itself as a consistent anti-Muslim institution.”

But WAEC’s Director of Public Affairs, Mr Demianus Ojijeogu, reacting to the development told the Saturday Tribune that the board had adjusted the timetable to accommodate the Muslims’ interests.

“The Council, being a responsible and responsive organisation, has made a slight adjustment on the timetable.

“The papers originally slated for Friday, April 20, 2018 will now be taken on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at the same times as stated on the timetable; while those slated for Tuesday, April 10, 2018 will now be taken on Friday, April 20, 2018 at the same time as stated on the timetable.”