Sokoto Court Orders WAEC to Release Withheld Results of 47 Candidates

Sokoto Court Orders WAEC to Release Withheld Results of 47 Candidates

Sokoto State High Court orders WAEC to release the withheld results of 47 Global Kids Academy students, ruling in favor of the school.

In a landmark judgment, the Sokoto State High Court has directed the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to immediately release the withheld results of 47 students from Global Kids Academy, Sokoto. This decision has not only restored the hopes of the affected candidates but also set a significant precedent in protecting students’ rights in Nigeria’s educational system.

Background of the Case

The dispute arose after WAEC withheld the results of 47 students from the May/June 2023 examination, citing alleged malpractice. The case was brought before the High Court by Global Kids Academy, represented by its legal team, arguing that the students were unfairly penalized.

Justice (Prof.) Muawiya Dahiru Mahmud presided over the case, carefully reviewing legal arguments presented by both parties. The plaintiff’s counsel, F.E. Okotete Esq., and the defendant’s counsel, Kabiru Yusuf Esq., presented detailed submissions, while WAEC’s defense was led by Prof. Taiwo Osipitan SAN, FCARB.

Key Court Rulings

The judgment addressed multiple aspects of the case, emphasizing the students’ constitutional rights to fair hearing and academic justice. The court’s rulings included:

• Release of Withheld Results: WAEC was ordered to release the results of the 47 students who were not involved in the alleged malpractice.
• Defamation Case: Publications made by WAEC against Global Kids Academy were declared defamatory, especially communications sent to the Commissioner of Education, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), and WAEC’s Sokoto Branch Controller.
• Nullification of NEC Decision: The court set aside WAEC’s decision at its 76th NEC meeting, declaring it null and void.
• Public Apology: WAEC must issue a formal apology and retraction, both in writing and on its official WAEC website, as well as publish it in a national newspaper.
• Financial Compensation: The court awarded N5 million each in general and aggravated damages (totaling N10 million) to the plaintiff, plus an additional N1 million to cover the cost of the action.

Why This Judgment Matters

This ruling carries major implications for both students and schools in Nigeria:

• Student Rights Protection: It reinforces the importance of fair treatment and due process in academic matters.
• Institutional Accountability: The judgment highlights the need for examination bodies like WAEC to ensure transparency and fairness.
• Reputation of Schools: The decision helps restore the reputation of Global Kids Academy, which had been tarnished by the initial allegations.

For further context on WAEC’s role and examination standards in Nigeria, visit the WAEC Nigeria official portal.

Implications for Students and Parents

Parents and students across Nigeria often face uncertainties when examination bodies withhold results. This ruling provides hope and legal precedence that students wrongly accused of malpractice can seek redress.

If you are a parent or student affected by similar issues, it’s important to:

1. Seek Legal Guidance: Consult with education lawyers or human rights advocates.
2. Document Evidence: Keep all official communication and documents from the examination body.
3. Follow Due Process: Approach the courts if administrative efforts fail.

You can also learn more about Nigerian court processes via the Nigerian Judiciary official site.

Are you a parent, student, or educator affected by withheld results? Stay informed and proactive. Always monitor updates from WAEC and know your rights to challenge unfair practices.

Visit the official WAEC Nigeria website for updates, registration details, and result verification.

The Sokoto State High Court’s judgment is a victory for fairness in Nigeria’s education sector. By ordering WAEC to release the results of 47 Global Kids Academy students and mandating public apologies with compensation, the court has reinforced the importance of transparency and justice in academic evaluations.

Education should empower, not punish unjustly. This ruling is a clear reminder that students’ rights must always come first.