In response to the sudden declaration of a national public holiday to honour the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, the Kwara State Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development has announced the postponement of the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). The exam, which was initially scheduled to take place on Tuesday, will now be held on Thursday, giving students, parents, and schools time to adjust to the unexpected schedule change.
This announcement, made via a formal press statement released on Monday, was signed by Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, the newly appointed Commissioner for Education in the state. Dr. Olohungbebe emphasized that the rescheduling was not just an administrative formality but a mark of respect for the national mourning period declared by the Federal Government.
According to a report filed by Educa.ng, the public holiday was declared in tribute to Nigeria’s former leader, Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away recently, sparking widespread reflection across the country. The Ministry noted that it was impossible to proceed with public examinations on a day reserved for national solemnity and remembrance.
A Sensitive Adjustment in Honour of a National Figure
The Commissioner stressed that the Ministry was highly sensitive to the concerns of education stakeholders across the state. He assured students, school administrators, teachers, and parents that the change in date would not compromise the integrity of the examination or the academic calendar.
“We understand the disruption this might cause, but this decision was taken in alignment with the Federal Government’s directive and as a mark of national respect,” said Dr. Olohungbebe.
He added that while the delay might cause some inconvenience, it is a necessary adjustment given the gravity of the moment.
Ministry Appeals for Patience and Cooperation
Educa.ng further reported that the Ministry expressed its heartfelt regrets for any inconvenience caused by the sudden change but was optimistic that the Kwara education community would show its usual maturity and support.
In his official statement, the Commissioner praised the resilience of Kwara students and called on school principals and examination officers to ensure a smooth transition to the new examination date. He also urged parents to help reassure their children and keep them focused and calm during the extended wait.
“The BECE is a significant academic milestone for our junior secondary students, and we remain committed to ensuring a smooth, credible, and fair process despite this slight adjustment,” Olohungbebe noted.
Administrative Logistics and Communication
In light of the revised schedule, the Ministry has instructed all zonal education offices to ensure that schools and candidates are promptly notified. Educa.ng confirmed that printed examination materials and logistical arrangements were already in place before the change. As such, the Ministry has put mechanisms in place to secure and safeguard all exam documents until Thursday.
In addition, monitoring teams from the Ministry will still be dispatched across the state on the new examination date to ensure that the process is conducted in line with national standards and in a peaceful environment.
Students Urged to Use the Extra Time Wisely
Meanwhile, education analysts and teachers across Kwara have advised students to take advantage of the two-day extension to revise more thoroughly. Several teachers who spoke to Educa.ng in Ilorin, Offa, and Baruten noted that the additional study period could be a hidden blessing for students who may have been under pressure to finish their syllabus.
One junior school principal, Mrs. Aishat Alabi of Government Junior Secondary School in Omu-Aran, remarked:
“We are telling our students not to be discouraged. Instead, this is an opportunity to reinforce their preparations and enter the exam hall with more confidence.”
Looking Ahead: Ensuring Academic Continuity Despite National Events
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to the timely completion of the 2023/2024 academic session despite the disruption caused by the holiday. It assured the public that the rescheduled exam date would not derail the wider academic calendar.
According to Educa.ng, Kwara State has recently undertaken several reforms aimed at strengthening its basic education system, including teacher recruitment, infrastructural upgrades, and increased investment in digital education resources. The state is also exploring ways to improve exam planning and reduce last-minute disruptions.
A Call for Unity in Transition
While the postponement of the BECE may have come as a surprise to many, it reflects a broader national moment of mourning and transition. The Kwara State Ministry of Education is urging citizens to see this not as an obstacle, but as an opportunity to show unity, adaptability, and respect.
The Commissioner concluded:
“Our students are the future of this state and this country. We owe them stability and support, and that is what this Ministry will continue to provide.”
For now, the focus shifts to Thursday, when thousands of Kwara students will finally sit for their BECE under adjusted but stable conditions — a testament to how Nigeria’s education sector continues to evolve, even in the face of national unpredictability.
