Efik Leaders Ask WAEC To Reverse Language Delisting From Syllabus

Efik leaders have asked the West African Examinations Council to restore Efik language to its examination syllabus after a reported delisting drew criticism in Cross River.

The Obong of Calabar Executive Forum described the decision as an assault on the Efik people and said it would support efforts to keep the language in schools.

Forum Chairman Gershom Henshaw said Efik has a developed writing system and was used for Bible translation in the 19th century and for broadcast translation in Nigeria from the 1960s to the 1980s.

He said students who prepared for Efik were allegedly given Igbo question papers in the last WAEC examination, a development the forum described as unacceptable.

The forum said it had introduced scholarships for Efik students, allowances for teachers, plans to recall retired teachers and support for Efik language programmes on radio and television.

It also assured WAEC that it would provide enough candidates for Efik examinations to meet the council’s requirements.

Sources: The Sun, Daily Post