The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has attributed delays recorded during some papers in the ongoing 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) to a tragic road accident that claimed the lives of three of its officials, as well as prevailing security and logistical challenges.
Also read: ASUU Declares Two-Week Nationwide Strike
The examination body made the clarification in a statement issued on Monday by its Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, following concerns raised by candidates, parents and stakeholders over the late commencement of some examinations across the country.
According to WAEC, the affected officials lost their lives on Wednesday while transporting sensitive examination materials along the Gombe-Yola highway. The incident disrupted the movement of examination materials and significantly affected distribution schedules in several locations.
“The delay was caused by a combination of logistical and operational challenges, notably the direct result of a devastating motor accident on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, which tragically claimed the lives of three of our dedicated personnel who were transporting sensitive examination materials interstate,” the council stated.
WAEC noted that the unfortunate loss of the officials, coupled with security concerns in some parts of the country, created additional obstacles that impacted the timely delivery of examination materials to designated centres.
Last week, candidates in parts of Oyo, Lagos and Osun states experienced significant delays during the Mathematics and Agricultural Science examinations. In some centres, students reportedly sat for their papers late into the evening after question papers and answer booklets arrived behind schedule.
Reports from affected centres indicated that some candidates had to rely on torchlights, mobile phone flashlights and solar-powered lamps to complete their examinations after sunset, while others moved outside classrooms in search of better lighting conditions.
WAEC explained that preliminary findings also revealed challenges linked to the finalisation of examination arrangements and late candidate registration, which affected the production and distribution timeline of examination materials.
The council further disclosed that security-related concerns, including disruptions arising from protests and incidents connected to the abduction of schoolchildren in certain areas, also hampered the movement of examination officials and materials.
“While we mourned our fallen colleagues, our team of indefatigable staff worked around the clock to deploy emergency contingency measures to ensure that the examination was still conducted in the affected areas,” the statement added.
WAEC assured candidates and the general public that immediate corrective measures have been implemented to prevent a recurrence of the delays during the remaining examination papers.
The council expressed confidence that the situation has largely been brought under control, pointing to the smooth conduct of examinations held on Friday, June 5, as evidence that the challenges were being successfully addressed.
“The council hereby assures the general public that it has put modalities in place to ensure that the rest of the examination is conducted hitch-free,” WAEC stated.
The examination body also extended its condolences to the families of the deceased officials, describing them as dedicated personnel who lost their lives while carrying out important national duties.
The 2026 May/June WASSCE for school candidates commenced on April 21 and is scheduled to conclude on June 19, with thousands of students across Nigeria participating in the examination.
Leave a Comment