WAEC Under Fire as Students Forced to Write Exams Late Into the Night
Logistical disruptions in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) have forced candidates in parts of Lagos and other states to sit for core papers far behind schedule, with some examinations stretching late into the night.
The delays were reportedly caused by the late delivery of examination materials to several centres, leaving students waiting for hours before papers eventually began. In some cases, candidates did not finish until around 10 p.m.
The situation has sparked concern among parents, teachers, and school administrators, who say the extended hours raise serious questions about student welfare and safety, particularly as many candidates were required to travel home after dark.
The development has also reignited criticism of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), with stakeholders pointing to repeated logistical challenges that have disrupted examination timelines in recent years.
Similar incidents were recorded during previous examination cycles, where candidates in some centres were also reported to have written papers late into the night, fueling concerns over systemic inefficiencies in exam coordination.
WAEC has acknowledged operational challenges and says efforts are ongoing to improve the distribution and administration of examination materials across centres.
Despite these assurances, the latest disruption has intensified calls for urgent reforms to ensure that candidates are not subjected to late-night examinations under unsafe conditions.
