WAEC changes exam timetable after pressure from Muslim group

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has changed the examination date of the subject clashing with the Muslim Friday prayers in its timetable.

The development is coming after complaints and criticisms from some Muslim stakeholders and affected candidates.

The council, had initially, scheduled the chemistry examination for 2018 May/June Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) to hold between 2 pm and 4pm on Friday, April 20.

The arrangement clashed with the time of the weekly Jummat prayer service observed by Muslims.

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) had accused WAEC of insensitivity while describing the timetable as “injustice” against Muslims.

Ishaq Akintola, MURIC director, said WAEC has been fixing examinations during Jummat time for some years which he said is “illegal, unconstitutional and unlawful”.

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

“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.”

Demianus Ojijeogu, director, WAEC public affairs, said the timetable has been adjusted to accommodate the Muslims’ interests.

The chemistry examination has been brought forward to April 10 at the same time, while forestry examination scheduled for 2pm to 5pm has replaced chemistry at the same time.

The exam body, however, did not state if there were no Muslim candidates taking the forestry examination.

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

“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.”