The Minority in Parliament has raised concerns about a potential disruption to the academic calendar, warning that 2024 BECE graduates may not be able to start their secondary education as SHS 1 students in September.
This delay stems from the ongoing hold-up in marking the BECE exams, which concluded on July 15, 2024.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, August 22, Minority Ranking Members Hon. Peter Nortsu-Kotoe and Dr. Apaak revealed that WAEC is yet to begin the marking process due to a lack of funds.
They cited outstanding payments from the government to WAEC, hindering the organization from engaging examiners to mark the exams.
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“As we speak now, WAEC has to postpone the marking of BECE scripts from this month to September because they don’t have the funds,” stated Hon. Nortsu-Kotoe.
“They still owe WAEC for the BECE, and we are demanding that the government pays this money to WAEC so that they can organize the marking in time.”
The Minority expressed concerns that the delayed marking process will push back the release of results, likely into October.
This will disrupt the academic calendar, with SHS 1 students unable to report to school as scheduled on September 27, 2024.
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The Minority urged the government to release funds to WAEC as soon as possible to facilitate the timely marking and ensure a smooth transition for the BECE graduates into secondary education.
Coleman Publications has also obtained the confirmed dates for the marking of the 2024 BECE exams.
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) will begin the marking process on September 17th, 2024.
The schedule is as follows:
- Zonal Coordination: September 17th-18th, 2024
- Main Coordination: September 19th-21st, 2024
- Conference Marking: September 21st – October 11th, 2024
SEE ALSO: BECE: Update on the Computerized School Selection and Placement Exercise
This timeline suggests that results for the 2024 BECE exams are expected to be released sometime in October 2024, potentially impacting the start date of the academic year for SHS 1 students.