Over 300,000 students in the South East region of Nigeria are at risk of missing the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) General Mathematics test due to the sit-at-home order declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on May 30, 2024.
The exam, scheduled for the same day as the Biafra day celebration, has been threatened by IPOB, citing security concerns. Despite appeals from the Abia State Government and concerned parents, IPOB has maintained its stance, directing students to wear their school uniforms to the exam.
WAEC has sought assurances from the Federal Ministry of Education, governors of the five South East states, and the Inspector-General of Police for a hitch-free exam. However, with the sit-at-home order still in place, the fate of the students hangs in the balance.
Missing the exam would have severe implications for the students’ education and future, as General Mathematics is a compulsory subject for admission into higher institutions. Parents and guardians are worried, and some have called for a postponement of the exam or alternative arrangements to ensure the students’ safety.
The situation remains tense, with WAEC insisting on conducting the exam as scheduled, while IPOB maintains its stance on the sit-at-home order. The region awaits a resolution to this impasse, hoping to find a solution that prioritizes the education and well-being of the students.
As the exam date approaches, the uncertainty and anxiety among students, parents, and educators continue to grow. A solution that balances the security concerns of IPOB with the educational needs of the students is urgently needed to avoid a potentially disastrous outcome.