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WAEC releases Nov\Dec 2024 exam results, records 53.64% pass
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released the results of the 2024 Second Series of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for private candidates.
The examination body announced this on Sunday in a statement signed by the Acting Head of its Public Affairs Department, Moyosola Adesina.
According to the statement, 68,342 candidates registered for the examination, representing a 20 per cent decrease compared to 2023.
Of this number, 65,023 candidates sat the examination across 5,067 centres nationwide. Among them, 157 candidates had special needs, including 25 visually challenged candidates, 13 with impaired hearing, and 15 with albinism.
Performance breakdown
According to WAEC, 34,878 candidates, representing 53.64 per cent, obtained credit passes in at least five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, while a total of 43,923 candidates (67.55 per cent) obtained credit and above in at least five subjects, regardless of English and Mathematics.
It noted that the gender distribution of successful candidates showed that 17,992 female candidates (51.58 per cent) met the minimum benchmark of five credits, including English and Mathematics, compared to 16,886 male candidates (48.41 per cent).
“This analysis, however, cannot be compared with that of WASSCE for School Candidates. Whereas the candidates in the WASSCE for School Candidates Examination are compelled to sit eight or nine subjects, the candidates in the WASSCE for Private Candidates Examination, though they can register for eight or nine subjects, are not compelled to take all. They are free to sit, even one subject, depending on the deficiency they want to remedy,” it added.
Withheld results
WAEC reported that 95.90 per cent of the candidates had their results fully processed and released, while 2,669 (4.10 per cent) had some subjects still being processed due to errors “traceable to them.”
“However, efforts are being made to speedily complete the processing to enable all the affected candidates to get their results fully processed and released, subsequently,” it noted.
The examination body added that the 2,577 candidates (3.96 per cent) had their results withheld “in connection with various allegations of examination malpractice.”
WAEC has advised affected candidates to visit its online complaints portal for further action.
“All reported cases will be investigated, including exhibits obtained, alongside candidates’ representations lodged on the portal. These will be evaluated, and reports will be presented to the appropriate Committee of the Council for determination.
“The Committee’s decision(s) will be communicated directly to the affected candidates,” it added.
Hybrid examination format
The examination was conducted between Friday, 25 October 2024, and Friday, 20 December 2024.
For the first time, WAEC conducted the examination in two modes: the traditional paper and pen format and a newly introduced computer-based hybrid mode.
Candidates were allowed to select their preferred mode during registration.
…commend his leadership qualities, contribution to national development
By Gloria Ikibah
The Chairman House of Representatives’ Committee onthe Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rep. Muktar Betara has congratulated Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Bago on his 51st birthday.
Rep. Betara who represents Biu/Bayo/Shani/Kwaya Kusar Federal Constituency of Borno State, in a congratulatory message admitted Governor Bago’s relentless advocacy for Nigerites as well as the meaningful contributions to legislative processes that shaped national development while serving as Member of the House of Representatives.
Thrilled by the leadership qualities of Governor Bago, he applauded various unprecedented developmental projects initiated since his assumption of office in 2023.
He said: “Your Excellency, on this special occasion of your 51st birthday, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to you.
“This milestone is a testament to a life dedicated to public service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the progress of Niger State and Nigeria at large.
“As the Governor of Niger State, your visionary leadership has continued to inspire hope and transformation across various sectors.
“Your dedication to infrastructural development, education, healthcare, and especially, agriculture, and security has significantly improved the lives of the people, reinforcing your reputation as a leader who prioritises the welfare of his people.
“Your efforts in fostering economic growth and good governance have set a solid foundation for sustainable development in the state.
“Before assuming office as Governor, your impactful tenure as a Member of the House of Representatives was marked by your relentless advocacy for your constituents and meaningful contributions to legislative processes that shaped national development.
“As you celebrate this new chapter of your life, may you continue to be blessed with wisdom, strength, and good health to steer Niger State toward greater heights. Happy birthday !”
…as currency swap boosting bilateral trade
By Gloria Ikibah
The Nigerian government is deepening economic collaboration with China to drive industrialisation and economic diversification.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made this known when she received the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, in Abuja.
The Minister emphasised that Nigeria’s longstanding ties with China, spanning over five decades, align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises economic expansion and resilience.
Outlining key areas where Nigeria seeks Chinese support, including electric vehicle production, digital technology, renewable energy, and agriculture, Amb. Odumegwu-Ojukwu acknowledged China’s significant role in Nigeria’s road and rail infrastructure development and noted that the country is taking concrete steps to modernize its ports and power sector to attract more investment.
She also highlighted the importance of cultural ties, and noted the growing interest among Nigerian youths in learning the Chinese language.
The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its economic partnership with China, highlighting that the ongoing currency swap agreement is already enhancing trade relations between both nations.
“It’s quite interesting that a large population of Nigeria youth is inching towards Chinese Language. A lot of Nigerian Universities are desirous to offer Chinese Language. Chinese had become the language of trade in the world.
“Nigeria-China will continue to relate not just bilaterally but multilaterally.
“We expect that we will continue to get the support of China but we will always reciprocate that multilaterally.
“In line with President Tinubu’s plan to industrialise Nigeria, we expect Chinese cooperation in establishing assembly plants of electric vehicles; digital communication, renewable energy, all aspects of digital technology, agriculture because of food insecurity as the government is interested in seeing that food gets to the poorest of the poor. Government is not just talking about food but has established a separate Ministry of Livestock,” the minister stated.
She urged China to extend trade tariff exemptions to its exports, similar to the concessions already granted to 33 other African nations, emphasising that the Renewed Hope Agenda prioritizes stronger ties between citizens and deeper country-to-country partnerships.
In response, Chinese Ambassador Yu Dunhai reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Nigeria, describing the country as a key strategic partner. He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to China and participation in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) had elevated diplomatic and economic engagements between both nations.
Amb. Yu highlighted ongoing collaborations in infrastructure, including roads, railway modernization, power, industrial parks, and the Lekki Deep Sea Port. He disclosed that trade volume between the two nations exceeded $21 billion last year, with Nigeria’s exports to China accounting for over 25% of this figure.
He further underscored the role of manufacturing in industrialization, pointing to the recently renewed $2 billion currency swap agreement as a tool to enhance financial cooperation, boost bilateral trade, and attract more investment.
Expressing optimism about the future, the envoy stated that these efforts would ultimately yield tangible benefits for ordinary citizens in both countries.
He said: “We have a comprehensive strategic partnership with Nigeria. China would want Nigeria to play a big role in the international scene. We want Nigeria to become a member of G-20. These will all provide opportunity for China and Nigeria to further work together closely.
“For China, we have been very consistent. We give grant to any African countries; we don’t give any conditions.”
He further acknowledged that it was important that the two countries met to review how far they have performed in their bilateral cooperation.
Speaker Abbas Hails Governor Bago @51
Betara Celebrates Governor Bago @51
Nigeria Seeks Stronger Economic Ties with China
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