Nigeria’s examination body, the National Examinations Council (NECO), has said that none of its documents in the ongoing Higher School Certificate Examinations (SSCE) are in conflict with the day of the Muslim festival Eid-al-Adha. of this year.
The festival will take place on Saturday, July 9, 2022.
NECO, in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES on Monday and signed by Azeez Sani, head of the information and public relations division, said that the examination body was aware of the relevance and importance of religious holidays and has taken the necessary measures. suitable for them in their exam. calendar.
The review was a reaction to an earlier appeal by a Muslim organization, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), which in a statement on Sunday urged NECO to reconsider its position.
plea of muric
In his statement on Sunday, MURIC Director Ishaq Akintola, Professor of Islamic Studies at Lagos State University (LASU), Ojoo, said the organization acknowledges the fact that NECO was not deliberate in its decision.
The statement read in part: “We are fully aware that the clash was not deliberate as NECO had shown goodwill by setting aside an entire week for Sallah celebrations (Monday July 11 to Friday July 15) and this is Reflect on your calendar.
“Therefore, we appeal to the NECO authorities to kindly move the exam on that day alone (Saturday, July 9, 2022) to another date to allow their many Muslim candidates to sit for their exams.”
NECO responds
In its statement on Monday, NECO said the clarification was necessary to ensure Nigerians have access to correct information.
The report, he said, “runs counter to suggestions in some quarters that the Council has scheduled a review for July 9, 2022, which is Sallah Day (Eid-Adha).”
“The Council has granted a complete free week of exams, from Friday, July 8 to Wednesday, July 13, 2022 in the continuous course. High School Certificate Examination (SSCE) for school-based candidates to allow Muslim worshipers enough time to celebrate the festival,” NECO added.
The examining body, which said the 2022 edition of its SSCE at school had started on June 27, said it will end on August 12.