Edo Community Appeals for Intervention Over Common Entrance Examination Venue Relocation

The residents of Obazuwa Community, situated in the Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, have raised urgent concerns over the relocation of the Common Entrance Examination Centre from Obazuwa Primary School to Ikoro town, a riverine area. Their appeal for intervention has been directed to Governor Godwin Obaseki and relevant authorities.

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Traditionally, the Common Entrance Examinations have been conducted and written at Obazuwa Primary School, a venue serving not only Obazuwa but also the surrounding villages, including Ikoro. However, recent developments have seen the venue shifted to Ikoro Village, a decision allegedly influenced by the Ijaw community residing there, in collaboration with certain entities within the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and other state actors.

Expressing their dismay over this decision, representatives of Obazuwa Community highlighted emphasized that Obazuwa, being a larger and more suburban community compared to Ikoro Village, should retain the examination venue. Moreover, they revealed the significant security risks inherent in relocating the examination to Ikoro, particularly the threat of drowning, maiming, kidnapping, and other dangers faced by school pupils from Obazuwa and neighboring villages.

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"We are very disturbed about this development not only because it embarrasses our sensibilities as a bigger and sub-urban Community than Ikoro Village but also because of the serious security implications this has for our children," expressed a concerned community member.