I have been keenly following a sad case involving a former student of a reputable girls school in Ghana and WAEC. Apparently, many others are caught in this web.
WAEC cancelled her 2022 WASSCE Chemistry Practical results because she failed to write her index number on the answer sheet, after writing only her name, contrary to WAEC’s Rule 8 (2).
But for the index number mistake, the lady’s results would earn her admission into any of the public universities to read science.
WAEC explains after a CHRAJ petition that, indeed, the candidate’s result was cancelled ONLY because she did not write her index number on the Chemistry Practical answer sheet.
While I believe compliance with examination rules is a very important part of their education, cancelling ones result for not writing their index number on an answer sheet may be a bit too harsh, especially if there is no indication whatsoever of a malpractice; only negligence.
I urge WAEC, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum and the Ghana Education Service to work together and find human grounds on the application of Rule 8(2) as it appears too much of a strict liability rule, especially when there is no suspicion of a malpractice or report of same at the examination centre.
Final year SHS students must take this lesson very, very serious. Parents, please remind them!
I have spoken to WAEC this afternoon, and do appreciate their perspective. I have however, indicated to them that Eduwatch will be submitting a formal MEMO on the application of Rule 8(2) in the coming days.
NB: Attached is a screen shot of Rule 8(2).
