The West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) will now hold from August 4 to September 5, 2020.

This was announced by the Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajuiba, on Monday during the daily COVID-19 Presidential Task Force briefing.

“As soon as we conclude WAEC, we will take NABTEB and NECO,” he said.

The federal government last week approved what it called “safe reopening” of schools nationwide.

The government said the reopening of schools was meant to allow students in graduating classes (Primary 6, JSS 3, SS3) resume preparation for examinations.

The federal government had earlier announced that final year students, including those to take the WAEC examinations, would resume schools.

Schools across Nigeria have been shut since March 19 to contain the spread of COVID-19.

However, the minister said local timing for the WAEC examination will be published soon.

“The idea is we have a month from now till August 4, so the states who are willing should make their schools available for their children to revise,” he said.

According to him, “the new WAEC date is part of our discussion with stakeholders which includes National Centre for Disease Control(NCDC) and Nigeria Union of Teachers tomorrow”.

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He appealed to candidates to prepare for their examinations.

He said registration for the National Examination Council (NECO) continues.

“We are continuing registration for NECO, for those who have not concluded registration, please try to complete your registration.”

Crisis

The federal government ordered the closure of all tertiary, secondary and primary schools nationwide over the outbreak of the coronavirus in the country on March 19.

The spread of the disease has also led to countries locking in millions of their citizens, closing social spaces, locking down entire regions and shutting their doors against travellers from other countries.

However, the closure of the schools stalled all examinations that should have taken place especially WAEC which holds in English-speaking West African countries at the same time. Others are NECO and NABTEB.

At least one of these three examinations is needed before a candidate is admitted into tertiary institution in Nigeria.