Over 15 students from Osu Presbyterian Senior High School narrowly escaped being barred from the examination hall after arriving late for their first core subject exam, Social Studies.

This situation unfolded during a visit by the West African Examination Council (WAEC) to the school, as part of efforts to enforce discipline in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination.

Speaking to the media, Vincent Esuah, the headmaster of Osu Presbyterian Senior High School, noted that these students have a history of tardiness when it comes to school events and activities.

He emphasized that he would not relax any of the examination rules for any student or group, regardless of the circumstances.

“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, Head of the WAEC National Office, Dr. Rosemond Wilson, emphasized that supervisors at all examination centers are required to enforce the rule of arriving 30 minutes before the start of each paper. This measure is intended to prevent any potential 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.”