'Assault on Our Heritage' — Obong of Calabar Forum Condemns WAEC's Removal of Efik From Exam Syllabus

The Obong of Calabar Executive Forum (OCEF) has condemned the reported removal of the Efik language from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) examination syllabus, describing the decision as "an assault on the Efik people" and demanding its immediate reversal.

Speaking on behalf of the forum, OCEF Chairman, High Chief Gershom Henshaw, MFR, said the delisting of Efik from the examination curriculum threatens one of Nigeria's most developed indigenous languages and undermines decades of efforts to preserve its cultural and educational relevance.

According to Henshaw, Efik has a rich literary and historical heritage, noting that it was among the earliest Nigerian languages to develop a standardized writing system.

"Efik has a well-developed orthography. It was used to translate the Bible in the 19th century and for news broadcasts on NBC from the 1960s to the 1980s. We wonder why it is being dropped now," he said.

The forum also expressed concern over reports that candidates who registered to write Efik in the most recent WAEC examination were allegedly issued Igbo question papers instead.

Henshaw described the development as "totally unacceptable," saying it denied affected students the opportunity to sit the examination in the subject they had prepared for.

In a bid to preserve and promote the language, OCEF said it has introduced several initiatives, including scholarships for students studying Efik, special incentives for Efik language teachers, the recall of retired teachers to strengthen classroom instruction and support for Efik-language radio and television programmes.

The forum further assured WAEC that there are sufficient candidates willing to offer Efik in future examinations, dismissing any suggestion that low enrolment could justify its removal.

Henshaw said the Palace of the Obong of Calabar remains committed to ensuring the survival and continued development of the language.

"We call on WAEC to reinstate the Efik language without delay. The concerted efforts made so far must not be allowed to go to waste," he said.

As of the time of filing this report, WAEC had not issued an official response to the concerns raised by the Obong of Calabar Executive Forum or the allegation that Efik candidates were given Igbo examination papers.