Minister of State for Education, Chief (Barr) Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has praised the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) for its continued existence for 60 years now, and still going on strongly.

He spoke at a media briefing in Lagos to sensitise the public on the forthcoming 60th Annual Council Meeting of WAEC scheduled to hold in Abuja from Monday 26th – Friday 30th March, 2012.

He gave salute to the founding fathers of the council and all those who have in one way or the other, contributed to the running of this sub-regional institution, which, according to him, “is on record as the only institution to have survived the centrifugal forces of the post-independence era.”

He noted that all other sub-regional institutions, which were established during the colonial era, were broken up, in the aftermath of the euphoria of the post-independence era.

“However, with regard to WAEC, not only has the council survived, it has continued to thrive and is today one of the leading and respected examining authorities in the world.”

Wike stated that therefore, Nigeria as a leading member of the council has every reason to feel proud and to ensure that the forthcoming Annual Council Meeting, marking 60 years of establishment of WAEC is very successful and highly celebrated.

Several activities have been lined up for the 60th anniversary celebration which include the WAEC Annual Endowment Fund Lecture to be delivered by Prof. Pius Augustine Ike Obanya, awards of excellence at both international and national levels to be given to deserving candidates and schools for outstanding performance in the council’s May/June examination diet. In addition, two distinguished Nigerians will be bestowed with the”Distinguished Friend of Council” Award, among is the one-time Head of the National Office (HNO), Chief Oyebola Margaret Shonekan.

The title of the lecture is “Nipping Examination Malpractice in the Bud.” The membership of WAEC is drawn from its five-member countries (English speaking), namely The Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Ghana and Nigeria. Its annual meetings, which are held in rotation among member countries are used for deliberations on administrative, financial and examination related issues in order to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the organization.

Each member country is represented at the meeting by its government nominees, senior official of the ministries of education, representatives of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, as well as other interest groups. The members of the Governing Council are thirty-four.

Wike asserted that, “it is therefore, indeed a thing of pride that our county is hosting a meeting of such magnitude which would attract delegates from the five countries of the West African Sub-region who constitute the membership of the council.”