Lagos postpones Wednesday BECE exams over Oro festival

The Lagos State Government has announced the postponement of all Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) papers originally set for Wednesday, July 1, 2026. This decision comes in response to the declaration of the Oro Festival in several areas within the Ikorodu Division.

The state government confirmed the postponement via its official X handle on Tuesday. The papers affected by this change will now be administered on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. All other scheduled examination papers will proceed as planned on their original dates.

The Oro Festival is a traditional Yoruba practice, observed primarily by men, which involves rituals and curfews. Its observance is typically aimed at appeasing deities, enforcing communal justice, and cleansing towns of malevolent spirits, especially following a monarch's death. During the festival, women and non-initiates are required to remain indoors.

According to the government statement, the decision to postpone the exams was made after extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders. The move is intended as a precautionary measure to guarantee the safety of all candidates, examination officials, and other involved parties, ensuring the examination proceeds smoothly and without disruption.

The Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, through the Lagos State Examinations Board, has advised candidates to obtain the revised examination timetable from their respective schools. The government has also issued an apology for any inconvenience caused by the rescheduling and has appealed for understanding and cooperation from parents, guardians, school administrators, candidates, and the general public. The Examinations Board reiterated its commitment to conducting credible and transparent examinations.