The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has come under fire as candidates in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) face repeated delays, forcing them to write papers late into the night across multiple centres in Oyo, Lagos, and Osun states. Videos have surfaced showing students struggling under poor lighting conditions.
Physics and Mathematics Papers Experience Major Delays
According to reports, on Monday, June 1, Physics Papers 1 and 2, scheduled for 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., did not begin on time in several centres. Some candidates reportedly started as late as 8 p.m. On Wednesday, June 3, candidates writing General Mathematics faced severe disruptions, with the essay and objective papers not completed until around 10 p.m. in some locations.
By Thursday, June 4, Agricultural Science Practical candidates were still waiting hours after the expected start time, with some centres told that examination materials had not yet arrived. A school principal questioned why the issue persisted despite similar challenges last year. A parent in Lekki expressed concern, noting that his child returned home around 10 p.m. after writing an exam.
Oyo and Osun Centres Also Affected
The disruptions were not limited to Lagos. Centres in Ibadan, Iseyin, Oyo town, and Osogbo recorded significant delays. Candidates in some locations were forced to write under poor lighting after sunset due to late arrival of examination materials. In Osun state, residents reported that candidates wrote exams after dark, using torchlights, mobile phone flashlights, and solar lamps.
WAEC Acknowledges Challenges
WAEC, through an official who spoke anonymously, acknowledged the challenges, stating that the council was aware of “some hitches due to unforeseen circumstances” and was working to resolve them. The council had previously attributed disruptions to efforts to curb malpractice and prevent question paper leakage, alongside logistical and security challenges.
Death of Three WAEC Officials Linked to Disruptions
Reports linked the wider disruption to the death of three WAEC logistics officials in a road accident along the Gombe–Yola highway, which may have affected distribution in some areas. Social media users raised concerns about security risks, questioning the safety of students writing exams late at night amid prevailing insecurity challenges.
WAEC Introduces New CBT Question Pattern
Legit.ng earlier reported that WAEC introduced upgraded question serialisation for the 2026 Computer-Based WASSCE to ensure candidates receive different question arrangements to curb malpractice. The council said over 1.9 million candidates are sitting for the exam nationwide and confirmed strict monitoring measures and prosecution of individuals linked to examination fraud.
