WAEC seeks FG’s assistance to procure modern printing machine

The West African Examination Council (WAEC) has asked the Federal Government for assistance in acquiring a high-quality printing machine to boost service delivery.

Chairman of Council, Prof. Ato Essuman, made the appeal when he led his team on a courtesy visit to the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, in Abuja, yesterday.

He said the building and all external works had been completed, adding that three of the machines had been purchased.

Essuman, however, said the outstanding machine, which costs $3.9 million, would enable the 70-year-old body achieve its mandate of conducting effective examinations.

Responding, the minister promised to do his best to make sure that the Nigerian government continues to support the council in achieving its mandate.

In his speech, Head of Nigeria National Office of WAEC, Patrick Areghan, regretted that the falling value of the naira to the American dollar had forced the upward review of fees to enable the council render its services efficiently to the Nigerian child.

He said each student writing the examinations now has to pay N18,000 as against the former N13,950.

On whether the council was planning to introduce the Computer Based Test (CBT) in the conduct of its examinations, Areghan said the module could only be achieved if government provides the required facilities to drive it.