President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has underscored the critical role that education plays in shaping the future of African Nations.
Speaking at the opening of the 73rd Annual Council Meeting of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) at the
EJS Ministerial Complex in Congo Town President Boakai stated that education is not only a pathway to knowledge but also an essential instrument of empowerment, economic growth, and social development.
” To echo the words of the late iconic South African Statesman, Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”, h3 added.
The Liberian leader historicized that for more than half a century, WAEC has been at the forefront of educational assessment in West Africa, ensuring that students in the region receive credible and standardized examinations.
Indicating further that WAEC has played very well its part in providing a framework that allows for transparency, accountability, and fairness in assessing academic achievements across the region.
According to him, The 73rd year journey of WAEC is a testament to the resilience of the educational systems and the commitment of educators in nurturing the leaders of tomorrow.
Recounting some of the testing house impactful achievements, he said WAEC has also been instrumental in facilitating a Common Curriculum, thus ensuring Quality assurance including promoting regional integration.
He reminded the students to remember that education is not only a privilege but also a responsibility nothing that their success is not only defined by the results they will achieve but also by the character and integrity they will build along the way.
” Strive for excellence, work hard, and dare to make your dreams a reality”, he added.
President Boakai used the occasion to commend actors and technicians in the sector for helping to inspire future generations to dream big, think critically, and become responsible citizens.
The Liberian leader who hailed technicians in the sector for a job well done was also quick to urge duty bearers in West Africa to commit themselves to addressing the challenges that remain.
“Let us together undertake the commitment to ensure equitable Access, That every child, regardless of socio-economic background, has access to quality education”, he noted.
He encouraged the need to embrace Technology especially in a digital age, “lets us adapt our educational methods to integrate technology, fostering digital literacy among our students”, he said.
President Boakai noted that every child, regardless of his or her circumstances, should have access to the tools needed to succeed.
He urged WAEC to recognize the urgency and importance of creating inclusive examination policies and practices.
Something he stated is essential that we design testing environments that are accessible to students with disabilities, ensuring that they have equal opportunities to showcase their skills and earn the qualifications they deserve.
He is certain that by implementing accommodation such as additional time, alternative formats, special care and accessible testing locations, the region can break down the barriers that hinder the students with disabilities.
“We can foster an educational landscape where every learner is empowered and given the chance to shine even brighter than people expect them to shine,
Imagine the profound impact that such a change would have—not just on the lives of those students and their families but on our society as a whole”, he noted.
According to him, An inclusive education system sends a powerful message: that value diversity assuring that they are committed to ensuring that every single citizen can contribute to our nation’s development.
“Let us work together to make this vision a reality and I invite WAEC to collaborate with us, to hear the voices of those who are often unseen, and to champion the rights of all learners as we strive for a truly equitable education system for our nation and region as well”, he noted.