The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has voiced its concern regarding reports of delays in the conduct of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) at certain centers across the region.
Investigation and Preliminary Findings
In a statement released on Monday by the Public Affairs Department, signed by Moyosola F. Adesina, Head of Public Affairs, the Council announced that it has initiated preliminary investigations to identify the causes of the disruption and to prevent similar issues in future papers.
Logistical and Operational Challenges
WAEC attributed the delays to a combination of logistical and operational difficulties. A fatal motor accident on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, resulted in the deaths of three staff members who were responsible for transporting sensitive examination materials across states. The Council described this incident as devastating, noting that it significantly impacted the distribution schedule.
Additionally, prevailing regional security challenges disrupted the movement of examination materials. Issues related to finalizing the mode of examination conduct and late registration of candidates also contributed to delays in preparation and distribution processes.
Security-Related Tensions
According to WAEC, security tensions, including protests linked to the abduction of schoolchildren in some areas, hindered the timely deployment of materials despite efforts by the Council and relevant security agencies.
Emergency Measures and Improvements
WAEC stated that its staff implemented emergency contingency measures to ensure that examinations proceeded in affected areas. The Council assured stakeholders that measures have been put in place to guarantee the smooth conduct of the remaining papers, noting that the situation improved during the session held on Friday, June 5.
Stakeholder Support
WAEC commended the support of stakeholders, including the Federal and State Ministries of Education, the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies, for their cooperation in the examination process.
Commitment to Integrity
Reaffirming its commitment to academic credibility and administrative integrity, WAEC pledged to strengthen its operational systems to ensure a hitch-free conduct of the ongoing examination.
