The West African Examinations Council (WAEC), has celebrated its 68th years of existence, having emerged as one of Nigeria’s and indeed West Africa’s most enduring institutions.
Giving his address during the WAEC day celebration in Umuahia, the Head of the Nigeria National Office, Mr Patrick Areghan, said the 16th of March each year, is usually set aside for the celebration of the birth of WAEC and today, the council clocks 68 years, having come into existence in 1952.
Mr Areghan who was represented by the Head of Exams Security, Umuahia, Mr Lucky Njoagwuani, stated that there are reasons to celebrate, because WAEC has made great achievements over the years, being the only colonial institution to have survived the centrifugal forces of the post-independence era in the West African sub-region.
According to him, in the last 68years, the council has played an important role in the educational sector of Nigeria and the sub-region at large, adding that WAEC has recorded significant landmarks on the educational, economic and social landscape of the country, ensuring sustainable human capital development, that has impacted positively on national development.
While commending the role played by the staff, governments and other stake holders which he said contributed to the successes celebrated today, revealed that WAEC is striving to bring about more technological innovations in the conduct of examinations, generation of income, relationship with stakeholders, as well as provision and improvement of working tools/environment .
He added that attention would also be given to management – staff relations and promotion of industrial harmony. Promising to operate an open door policy.
Meanwhile, the Registrar, Mr Patel Bah, who was represented by the Branch Controller, WAEC Umuahia, Mr Okoronkwo Leonard, said the body is celebrating its milestone achievements in a grand style, having made a lot of contributions to human and national development for the past 68 years.
Mr Bah revealed that the occasion was so important, as it affords staff across the five West African countries,Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone to come together and actively participate in communal programmes with friends, stakeholders and well-wishers of the council.
He urged staff to use the occasion to shake off stress and rejuvenate their zeal and commitment towards the building of a new WAEC of their dream.
The Registrar, however, lamented the wide spread of the coronavirus pandemic, which he said made the council during its international A and F committee meeting held in Accra, Ghana, recently, took the decision to suspend the 68th Annual Council meeting, until the global health situation improves.
He, therefore,advised that closer attention be given to the health and safety of family members, as well as ensure precautionary measures are taken to guide against the pandemic.
In an interview with newsmen, the Branch Controller,WAEC Umuahia,Mr Okoronkwo Leonard, said the occasion is very important as it affords staff to celebrate the core values left behind by the founding fathers of WAEC.
According to him, the 16th of March every year marks the anniversary of the establishment of their flagship organization.
Mr Leonard maintained that WAEC as a world class examination body, has distinguished itself in actualizing its core mandate, hence the need to celebrate, so as to transend the values left behind by the founding fathers of WAEC.
He further revealed that WAEC Umuahia is still faced with the challenges of organising a malpractice free examination.
Branch Controller WAEC Umuahia
Also, the Proprietress of Maranatha Academy, Mrs Juliet Nzeribe, expressed joy over the 68 anniversary of WAEC, saying that the body has impacted upon many generations, commending them for maintaining the quality and standard of their examinations.
Mrs Nzeribe prayed God to continue to strengthen the council as a whole, so that they can deliver on their visions.
