Candidates sitting for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) were forced to write some of their papers under torchlights, mobile phone flashlights and solar lamps after severe delays in the delivery of examination materials across several centres in Oyo, Lagos, Ogun and Osun states.
The disruption, which affected key subjects including Physics, Mathematics, Government and Agricultural Science, left many students stranded at examination centres late into the night, sparking widespread outrage among parents, education stakeholders and student groups.
Reports indicated that candidates scheduled to sit for Physics papers on Monday waited several hours before the examination commenced. The situation worsened on Wednesday when the General Mathematics Objective paper, originally slated for the afternoon, began as late as 6:30 p.m. in some centres and around 8:30 p.m. in others, with candidates completing the examination after 10 p.m.
The most severe delays were recorded during the Agricultural Science practical examination on Thursday. While the first and second batches were scheduled for 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. respectively, some centres, particularly in Ibadan, Oyo State, had yet to begin the examination by 8 p.m. due to the late arrival of question papers and other materials.
Videos circulating on social media showed students struggling to write under poor lighting conditions, relying on torchlights and phone flashlights to complete their papers. The footage triggered widespread condemnation, with many Nigerians questioning the preparedness of examination authorities.
Several parents expressed concern over the safety of their children, who were forced to remain at examination centres long after dark. Others reported shortages of question papers, with some schools allegedly receiving less than half the required number of examination booklets, forcing candidates to share materials while waiting for additional copies.
The situation also drew criticism from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). Its president, Akinteye Azeez, described the development as unacceptable, saying students should never be exposed to danger because of administrative failures.
According to him, the delays were particularly troubling given rising security concerns across parts of the country, noting that keeping students at examination centres until late at night exposed them to unnecessary risks.
Azeez called on the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to review its logistics and contingency arrangements to prevent a recurrence, stressing that the welfare, safety and rights of candidates must remain a top priority.
Reacting to the growing backlash, WAEC’s Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, said the examination body would issue an official statement addressing the complaints and concerns raised by candidates and parents.
The 2026 WASSCE commenced on April 21 and is scheduled to conclude on June 19.