……..As WAEC gives reasons for the delay.
Emmanuel lkpeama
Secondary school students sitting for the 2025 West African Secondary Schools Certificate Examination (WASSCE) sat for their English paper in the dark amid blackout and insecurity.
Investigator news reports that as of 10:00 pm on Wednesday night,students of Oke-Afa Senior College in Ejigbo, Lagos, were still writing their English Language examination which is part of the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
According to visuals and reports obtained by Clear TV, the late-night examination session sparked concern among parents and guardians, many of whom were seen waiting restlessly at the school gate for their children and wards to finish.
Further findings reveal that the situation is not peculiar to Oke-Afa Senior College alone, as similar delays were reported in other examination centers across Nigeria, raising concerns about the coordination and timing of the national exam.
Investigator news learnt that the exam which was scheduled to start 9:00am and end by 4pm saw the students starting the exam at exactly 10.00pm and were expected to end by 12am while candidates in other centers sat for theirs around between 4 pm and 7 pm.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that the exam started late in some schools due to alleged question leaks, but these claims have yet to be verified.
“This is alarming. We don’t even know why the exam is taking this long. Our children’s safety is at stake,” said a worried parent outside the school premises.
Investigator news gathered that parents and Journalist were not allowed to enter into the school compound except the WAEC officials, school principal and just one Security personnel are with the students,as students were kept under a tent outside the classrooms but the tent is lighted with a power generator.
In another development,the West African Examinations Council, WAEC, has provided an official explanation following public outcry over students writing their English Language WASSCE paper late into the night on Wednesday in parts of Nigeria.
However, in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Moyosola Adeshina, WAEC said the delay was the result of deliberate security and logistical measures aimed at preventing the leakage of examination materials and safeguarding the credibility of the test.
While noting that the council ultimately achieved its objective of preserving the exam’s integrity, the body acknowledged that certain challenges affected the smooth and timely delivery of materials.
“The West African Examinations Council appreciates the understanding and support of all stakeholders during this period.
“We remain committed to upholding the highest standard in the conduct of examinations and shall continue to promote academic excellence,” the statement read.
“We recognise the importance of timely conduct of examinations and the impact of this decision on the candidates, their schools and parents, and we sincerely apologise for any inconveniences caused,” the council added.
