IPOB Declares May 30th Public Holiday in South-East Nigeria, Impacting WAEC Exams and University Convocations

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has once again declared May 30th a public holiday to honor those who died during the Biafran War. This annual declaration often sparks mixed reactions as it disrupts significant events within the South-East region of Nigeria. This year, the observance clashes with critical examinations and university convocations, raising concerns among students, parents, and educational authorities.

One of the most affected groups this year are students scheduled to sit for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), particularly for Mathematics, on May 30th. Last year, a similar declaration by IPOB led to students missing their exams due to enforced sit-at-home orders. This year, the potential disruption is causing widespread anxiety among students and parents, who fear the repercussions on the academic futures of over 300,000 students in the South-East.

The Head of National Office (HNO) of WAEC, Dr. Amos Dangut, expressed the council’s concern: “Conducting examinations in insecurity-prone areas would require extra security arrangements. The council appreciates the continued support received from the Nigeria Police as partners in actualising its goals during the conduct of its examinations.”

WAEC has already reached out to the Federal Ministry of Education, the governors of the five South-East states, and the Inspector-General of Police, seeking assurances for a hitch-free examination process. Despite these efforts, the threat remains significant, and WAEC is not contemplating postponing the exam.

In addition to the disruption of WAEC exams, IPOB’s declaration has also affected university convocations. Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, had planned to hold its convocation ceremony on May 30th. However, IPOB has warned against holding any events on that day, putting the university administration in a difficult position and adding to the uncertainty for graduating students and their families.

The government has not officially engaged with IPOB leaders regarding the declaration. However, they are appealing through various channels for reconsideration in the interest of innocent students and the broader community. Parents are urging the state governors of the South-East and the Federal Government to intervene and ensure that the students can safely take their exams.

Some social media commentators argue that the five South-East governors should have preemptively declared May 30th a public holiday long before now, acknowledging Biafra as an integral part of the region’s history. They draw parallels with the South-West governors who declared June 12th a public holiday, later recognized nationally by President Buhari.

As the situation unfolds, there is a call for IPOB to allow students to take their exams and for the government to find a peaceful resolution. The observance of May 30th as a day of remembrance is a significant cultural event for many, but it should not come at the cost of disrupting the education and future of the region’s youth.

The clash between IPOB’s declaration and the scheduled exams highlights the ongoing tensions and the need for dialogue and compromise. As May 30th approaches, the hope is for a solution that honors the past while safeguarding the future of the South-East’s students and institutions.