The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has issued an apology after a major logistical failure forced hundreds of secondary school students in Nigeria to sit for their West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) late into the night on Wednesday.
Videos circulating on social media showed students in Taraba (North-East) and Ogun (South-West) states writing their exams under artificial lighting, sparking public outrage.
Exam Security Crisis Triggers Last-Minute Changes
Amos Dangut, Head of WAEC’s Nigeria National Office, explained that the council had to act swiftly after receiving reports that the exam paper had been compromised.
“We went to the drawing board and quickly came up with a solution to the compromised paper,” Dangut said during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief. “We succeeded in preventing a leak, but unforeseen logistical challenges disrupted the exam’s smooth conduct.”
Breakdowns, Delays, and a Midnight Scramble
The crisis escalated when a vehicle transporting exam materials to Taraba broke down overnight, delaying distribution. Despite recovery efforts, many centers received papers too late, forcing students to write after dark.
“We deeply regret this incident and have taken steps to ensure it never happens again,” Dangut said, acknowledging the distress caused to candidates and parents.
WAEC Vows Overhaul Ahead of Future Exams
The council has pledged to tighten logistics and security protocols ahead of upcoming tests. WASSCE, a critical qualification for West African students, has faced recurring malpractice scandals in recent years, prompting stricter measures.
Public Reaction
Parents and educators have demanded accountability, with some calling for compensation for affected students. “How can children concentrate on exams at midnight?” asked one parent in Ogun.
WAEC has assured candidates that their results will not be affected by the delays.
