The Oyo State Government has said that schools in the state will still open as it continues to assess the situation, after the Federal Government decision not to reopen schools for secondary students preparing for WASSCE due to the rising cases of COVID 19 pandemic in the country.
In a press briefing in his office, on Thursday, the commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Olasunkanmi Olaleye stated that the State is still expecting the reaction of the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) as regards the new development.
Olaleye noted that WASSCE was a critical part of education for all students in the state, while pointing out that the state will take a decision based on its assessment of the current situation. He also added that the Federal Government directives was specifically for unity schools, but insist the state’s schools remain open in compliance with the COVID 19 guidelines .
The Commissioner said “I listened to the Federal Minister of Education and was emphatic about Federal Government schools. We resume in Oyo State and you must have seen the level of compliance to COVID 19 protocols by our State schools.
“if you go to our schools, you will see that our senior secondary students are still learning and the preparation for WAEC is ongoing.
“Examination is part of educational development. So the State Government will assess the situation especially because of the fact that WAEC is an integral part of educational development hence, it cannot be ignored.
“ WAEC is a regional examination that involves five countries so we are waiting for the reaction of WAEC. The State Government will then assess the situation.’’ Olaleye concluded.
The Federal Government after the Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday, reverse on its earlier decision to reopen school, after Minister of Education for State, Emeka Nwajiuba had on Monday, during the Presidential Tax Force briefing in Abuja stated that schools across the country can reopen for student preparing for certification exams.
