COVID-19: Student sitting for WASSCE in Akwa Ibom tests positive

A student writing the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in Akwa Ibom state has tested positive for COVID-19.

Udom Emmanuel, governor of Akwa Ibom, broke the news at a press briefing in Uyo, the state capital, on Monday.

The governor said the student, whose identity he did not disclose, is asymptomatic, adding that efforts are in place to ensure that the student does not miss any paper.

He said the state government had begun random testing of students for the virus.

“We have tested over 100 students and it is only one young man that tested positive for COVID-19 in the state,” Emmanuel said.

“We did what we ought to do medically; I want to believe that by now, the young man should be okay. ”

He added that a government team is moving round schools to make sure that the students writing the examination are adhering to COVID-19 protocols.

“All of them are in excellent health condition because we have put everything in place to ensure that the students are quite safe,” he said.

“I have directed all my Special Assistants to go to all the schools and monitor the level of compliance to the COVID-19 safety protocols and give us first hand reports in case of any emergency.

“Students observed all COVID-19 protocols before starting their examination. We want to make sure our students are safe even writing the examination.”

Emmanuel said he had provided over 100,000 face masks, sanitisers and all the necessary support to the schools writing the examination across the state.