The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has adjusted the time table for the 2018 May/June Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) to allow candidates sitting for the exams who are Muslims to observe the Jumat service.
The development followed opposition by some Muslim groups to the usual way of fixing exams for time the Jumat prayer is observed, thus depriving Muslim students of attending the service.
In the timetable for the 2018 May/June examination, the Chemistry paper was scheduled for 2pm to 5pm on Friday, April 20. Muslim Friday prayers usually hold between 1:30 pm to 3pm.
But Muslim stakeholders accused WAEC of insensitivity and described the timetable as an “injustice” against Muslims.
Yielding to their demand, WAEC’s Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Demianus Ojijeogu, disclosed that the board had adjusted the timetable to accommodate the Muslims’ interests.
“The Council, being a responsible and responsive organisation, has made a slight adjustment on the timetable.
“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.”
