More than 15 students of the Osu Presbyterian Senior High School were almost barred from entering the examination hall after arriving late for the first core subject paper, Social Studies.
This incident was observed during a visit by the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) to the school as part of activities to ensure discipline in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination.
In an interview with the media, the headmaster of Osu Presbyterian Senior High School, Vincent Esuah, stated that the students are known for their lateness in attending school events and activities.
He stressed that he is not going to lax any of the rules governing the conduct of the examination for anyone or any group of students.
“WAEC works with rules and regulations and the rules are that students are to be seated 30 minutes before a paper we already had a delay and we started the paper they [the students] are now coming. They have no reason for coming late, they are simply perpetual latecomers, and if you ask them, you will know why they are late and I will not allow anyone to breach the rules especially if you don’t have a special reason.”
Meanwhile, the Head of the WAEC National Office Dr. Rosemond Wilson, explained that supervisors across all centres must adhere to the 30 minutes before the start of the paper rule to prevent possible cheating.
“In our rules and regulations, students are supposed to be seated 30 minutes before the start of a paper and they are not supposed to go out 30 minutes to the end of a paper, the supervisors are to adhere to this rule for a smooth conduct of the exam and candidates are to give a reason for their lateness.”
