Late WAEC materials force candidates to write night exams again

The ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) has been marred by significant disruptions across several Nigerian states, as late arrival of examination materials forced thousands of candidates to sit for papers well into the night. Reports indicate that students in parts of Oyo, Lagos, and Osun states endured poor lighting conditions on Wednesday and Thursday due to question papers and answer booklets arriving hours behind schedule.

In Ibadan, Iseyin, and Oyo towns in Oyo State, the Lekki axis of Lagos State, and Osogbo in Osun State, some examination centers did not receive materials until late in the evening. On Thursday, candidates for the Agriculture Science Practical exam faced prolonged waits, with some centers yet to commence the examination by 8 pm, despite the scheduled start times of 2 pm and 3:30 pm for different batches.

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WAEC can do better. Since Monday, the paper has been coming so late. But today is the worst.

A similar situation unfolded on Wednesday, where General Mathematics Objective papers began as late as 6:30 pm in some centers, with others starting around 8:30 pm and concluding after 10 pm. Residents expressed dismay, noting that candidates were still writing exams after sunset. In classrooms lacking light, some students reportedly moved outdoors or relied on torchlights and mobile phone flashlights to complete their papers.

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It is 9 pm, and my child called that the examination is yet to start. The school staff members are still waiting for WAEC officials to bring the examination questions.

Parents voiced their frustration, with one in Oyo State reporting that their child was still waiting for exam questions at 9 pm. Another parent in Lagos shared that her child returned home around 10 pm after Wednesday's paper. These delays have become a recurring issue throughout the week, with examinations frequently starting hours after their scheduled 9:30 am and 2 pm times.

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) attributed the persistent delays to measures implemented to curb examination malpractice and prevent the leakage of question papers. However, this situation echoes the problems faced during the 2025 WASSCE, when candidates in some regions also had to write exams late into the night using makeshift lighting.

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My child returned home around 10 pm on Wednesday.