The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has responded to widespread backlash over the delayed conduct of the 2025 English Language Paper 2 of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), attributing the disruption to efforts aimed at preventing exam leakage.
In a statement signed by Moyosola Adesina, Acting Head of Public Affairs, WAEC Nigeria, the Council acknowledged that the delay — which saw students writing exams late into the night in some centres — was a result of the Council’s stringent measures to protect the integrity and security of the examination.
“While we successfully achieved our objective [of preventing leakage], it inadvertently impacted the timeliness and seamless conduct of the examination,” the statement read.
WAEC cited logistical hurdles, security concerns, and socio-cultural factors as key contributors to the disruption, adding that the Council is already collaborating with security agencies to prevent a recurrence.
“We recognize the importance of timely conduct of examinations and the impact of this decision on the candidates, their schools and parents, and we sincerely apologize for any inconveniences caused,” Adesina said.
The English Language Paper 2, originally scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on May 27, was delayed by several hours in many centres across states including Lagos, Osun, Delta, Rivers and Taraba — with some students reportedly sitting for the exam as late as 8:00 p.m. under torchlights.
WAEC thanked stakeholders for their patience and reiterated its commitment to academic excellence and maintaining high standards in public examinations.
The Council’s clarification comes after condemnations from the Federal Ministry of Education, state governments, and civil society groups who called for urgent reforms in WAEC’s logistics and administration.
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