In a chaotic twist to this year’s WASSCE, students across several Nigerian states were forced to write their English Language exam late into the night, with some still scribbling answers under torchlight as late as 11:45 p.m. The paper, scheduled for 9 a.m., was delayed in multiple centres, particularly Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, and Osun, causing public outrage.
- Scheduled for 9:00 a.m., the English Language paper began after midday in many centres.
- Some candidates in Lagos reportedly finished close to midnight.
- WAEC blamed the delay on last-minute changes triggered by a leaked paper online.
- The council apologized, citing tighter security measures as necessary to protect the exam’s integrity.
While WAEC insists it acted to protect the sanctity of the exam, students and parents are left wondering if that justification outweighs the trauma caused. Photos and videos of students writing under dim lighting quickly spread online, sparking widespread criticism. The situation raises broader questions about exam preparedness and student welfare in Nigeria’s education system.
The council has pledged to work with security agencies to prevent a repeat. But for many students, the memory of writing their most important secondary school paper at midnight may linger far longer than WAEC’s apology.
