WAEC explains late English exam as anti-leakage measure, apologizes for inconvenience

WAEC has apologized for the late conduct of the WASSCE English Language paper, which saw students writing late into the night, explaining it was a measure to prevent exam leakage and uphold integrity, despite logistical and security challenges

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has attributed the significant delay in the conduct of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) English Language paper, which saw students writing late into the night on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, to efforts aimed at preventing question paper leakage and protecting the examination’s integrity.

Also read: WAEC introduces computer-based WASSCE for school candidates, 2025

In a statement released by its spokesperson, Moyosola Adeshina, WAEC confirmed that it successfully achieved its objective of preventing leakage but faced logistical challenges and security concerns that impacted the timelines and seamless conduct of the examination.

“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 statement read.

WAEC assured the public that it is actively working with security agencies to prevent a future occurrence of this nature.

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 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,” Adeshina added.

It had been reported that hundreds of students across Nigeria’s South-West region, including Lagos, Osun, Ogun, and Oyo States, were affected, with most writing examinations around 7 p.m. and some as late as 9 p.m.

Viral videos on social media showed secondary school students hunched over question papers, using flashlights to write the English Language paper.

A WAEC supervisor in Lagos State, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed that supervisors had to wait for the question papers to arrive.

Nigerians have widely condemned the examination body on social media, accusing it of insensitivity to the security of the teenagers sitting the examinations.

Also read: ‘Biometric reduces malpractice’ 10 WAEC supervisors in Lagos, three other states in trouble over exam fraud

This incident follows a similar occurrence just last week in Delta State, where students also wrote their WASSCE examinations late into the night, drawing widespread condemnation.

Peculiar Adirika