JUST IN: Masses react on WASSCE postponement and schools reopening

Aliu Akeem

Following the dramatic decisions, policies, and opinions heralding the 2020 West African Senior School Certificate Examination,  the masses have expressed their views on the situation. 

This came up in an online opinions poll, where the masses talked to The Social Watch news media. 

In recent weeks, there have been dramatic scenes on the mainstream media as per schools reopening and WAEC exam postponement. Recall that the government had earlier said that schools will be reopened in August, for transitional classes to enable them write their exams. But many reactions have visited the decision, such that the 19 Northerner states have said they would not be participating in the exams for this year. They said it should be postponed till next year. 

Meanwhile, the South West states have agreed to write the exams on August 24th, as against the erstwhile federal government's date of August 3rd. 

In lieu of the confusing drama, the masses expressed their views:

One Mr Sunday, said" The students have long been waiting for this examination even before the pandemic. Nigeria should take examples from other countries like: USA, United kingdom, even some African countries that have not shutdown their educational system. Most of these countries have serious cases than Nigeria. He adds that, Let look at the transportation system in Lagos State, where people go in an out freely even without facemask, both young and old. If this virus is that serious in Nigeria, at least for every family there will be a comfirmed case. Same with market places. Let's think out of the box. If schools resume, what should we do to manage the kids? That should be the discussion not to cancel exams. The procedures for resumption should be mentioned. Probably public schools should not contain more than 15 persons in a  class, and there should be at least two teachers in each classes to monitor the kids. Also, let's think about two sessions: morning and afternoon, to contain the process. There should be no break time , no going around or playing within the school compound. Parents should bring their kids and return them. Hand sanitizer and facemask should be made compulsory. For private schools, school buses should not carry more than 3 kids per seat. In a classroom, they shouldn't be more than There should be  a policy to control activities.

I think WASSCE should be written and schools should resume thanks."

However, another person Mr Sonayon expressed a contrary view. He wrote: "pls, our schools are not equiped so lets wait till everything gets into order. For , we dont want our souls to be rest in peace."

In the view of miss Adesewa, she says "If WAEC is postponed, it will really affect SS3 students alot...instead of delaying academics, the government should provide normal equipment for safety measures in all schools...like some other countries are doing.

To Mr Duru, he believes a proactive measure from the government can achieve that. He writes" The problem here is that we don't have a proactive Govt... In all level of Govt.. Private schools may be ready to provide adequate equipments to safe guard their students but not so for public schools. So the failure of Govt to properly fund education is being exposed now. That's why they are hiding under the cover of Covid instead of facing the challenge.Students should be allowed to write their exams but main school can still stay at home till probably September when the curve is coming down."

From another view, Mr Homakon writes that "I don't think continuous closing down of schools is needed again. Many of these children are not staying at home since some sectors of the economy has been opened.They mixed up with other children either in the market or one lesson or the other. Though, the situation may not be the same everywhere, but very good number of the students are into it. As regards waec,I think the earlier decision to start the reopening of schools should have been mentioned considering their numbers. Not allowing them to write the exam will bring more psychological problem on them. Therefore, if the govt has any better reasons for not opening schools now for all, they should allow the WAEC candidates to write their exam."

In the view of Mr Oyetayo, he says "Government is just shying away from their responsibilities. If they should put necessary facilities in place. Nothing should stop WASSCE candidate from writing the examination. They are saying the students are likely to be contracted with the disease. Same students that are on the street looking for daily bread. Some are Hawking, some are in shops selling.

Even those that are at home, their parents go out everyday and they can easily bring the virus in. So, no point in stopping the student for resumption."

And Mr Bade adds that "Schools should be open. Grocery stores employees are working while the government keep the stores opened. Taxi drivers and cabs were allowed to work carrying three people at the back seat. Okada riders are carrying passengers without recourse to social distance. Political rallies are held in  Edo and Ondo States. What's good for the goose is  good for the gander."