By Our Correspondent in Minna
The National Examinations Council (NECO) has announced the indefinite postponement of the on-going 2020 Senior Secondary School (SSCE), citing security uncertainties for both staff and students who are the major stakeholders.
The Reporters, an online publication, reports that the postponement came barely 48 hours after the Council announced the re-scheduling of some papers of the on-going 2020 SSCE (internal).
The Council cited protests by #End SARS protests which has degenerated to wanton destruction of lives and properties across the country as prompting its decision on the postponement.
A statement signed by Mr Azeez Sanni, Head, Information and Public Relations Division, a copy of which was made to The Reporters in Minna on Sunday, said the postponement was part of the resolutions by the Governing Board of NECO at its special meeting in Minna.
“Government Council of NECO at its special meeting held at its headquarters in Minna on Thursday, 22nd October, 2020 reviewed the on-going 2020 SSCE (internal) and viewed with concerns the security situation across the country”.
“The Council had in a press statement, dated 21st October 2020, informed the general public about rescheduling of some papers of the 2020 on-going SSCE.
“Arising from its last meeting, the Governing Board resolved that the 2020 SSCE (Internal) be postponed indefinitely”.
“This is in view of the current security challenge, occasioned by the #EndSARS protests in parts of the country which has disrupted the smooth conduct of the on-going examinations in some parts of the Nigeria.
“In making this decision, the Board noted that due to these security challenges; some state governments imposed curfew and closed schools in order to safeguard lives and property of citizenry,” he said.
Sanni added that in the prevalent circumstances, it had become difficult for the Council to move not only examination materials but also safety of staff and students sitting for the SSCE (internal) across the country.
“Students in the affected locations were unable to sit for their papers already scheduled in the examination time table”, Azeez further explained,adding that the Governing Board also resolved that the examinations could continue when normalcy returns,” the Council’s image maker said.
He regretted any inconveniences the new order might have caused esteemed stakeholders, saying that the decision was in the best interest of the students and NECO.
