* Says: Lives more important than examinations
The Federal government has reversed its earlier announcement on the resumption of schools in Nigeria.
It also said no Nigerian school will participate in the West African Senior School Certificate Examinations earlier scheduled for August 5 to September 5.
This year’s examination, administered by the West African Examination Council (WAEC) was postponed indefinitely in April, and rescheduled to commence in May.
It was postponed after schools were shut down across the country in a bid to contain the spread of COVID-19.
However, the Minister of State for Education, Mr. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, announced during a media briefing on July 6 that the examination will take place between August 4 and September 5.
The Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, speaking to State House correspondents at the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday, said Nigerian schools will not reopen any time soon until it is safe to do so because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said final year students preparing for the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) will not be allowed to return to school, contrary to the earlier announcement.
Adamu said the West African Examination Council (WAEC) cannot determine the resumption date of schools for Nigeria.
He said he would prefer that Nigerian students lose one academic year than to expose them to dangers.