The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education, Julius Ihonvbere on Friday, frowned at Federal governments decision regarding 2020 WAEC.
Recall that the Minister of Education Mallam Adamu Adamu, on Wednesday said that the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) cannot determine the resumption date of schools for Nigeria.
Addressing State House correspondents after the virtual meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in Abuja on Wednesday, Adamu disclosed that he would prefer that Nigerian students lose an academic year than to expose them to dangers.
Reacting to this, Julius Ihonvbere on Friday questioned the new directive of the Federal Government.
The lawmaker disagreed with the directive to halt participation of students in the forthcoming examination due to COVID-19.
Ihonvbere in a press statement, noted that the Minister did not consult stakeholders and, adding that the announcement lacked the needed clarification.
The statement reads in part:
“He did not inform the country if this was in agreement with other West African leaders or in consultation with the examination bodies, the state governments and other stakeholders in the education sector.
“The Minister did not also inform the public if the decision was the outcome of a meeting with all State Governments that are in charge of all but the Unity Secondary Schools that are owned by the Federal government.”
Mr. Ihonvbere said the directive of the federal government is confusing. He added that it will create, “distortions and disarticulations in the sector are only getting worse.”
He urged the Federal Ministry of Education “not chicken out of its responsibilities but take charge, provide policy direction, engage the states and other stakeholders”.
He advised the federal government to provide the needed environment for students to write their exams.
