WAEC Faces Backlash as Exam Chaos Triggers Nationwide Outrage!
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) have expressed outrage over the troubling conditions under which students took the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), describing it as a “national embarrassment.” Both parties have called for a retake of the affected English language paper.
Viral videos surfaced on Wednesday, showing students writing the English Language exam late into the night, using lanterns, phone flashlights, and candles due to a power outage. In one alarming incident at Government Secondary School, Namnai, in Taraba State, part of the exam hall collapsed during a storm, putting students’ lives at risk.
WAEC Responds Amid Public Outcry
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) responded to public criticism, attributing the delayed exams to tightened security measures aimed at preventing question paper leaks. In a statement on Thursday, WAEC’s Acting Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, admitted the efforts “unintentionally affected the smooth and timely administration of the exams,” citing logistical setbacks, safety concerns, and social challenges.
However, these explanations failed to ease public frustration.
Atiku Decries “Disgraceful” Conditions, Demands Action
In his reaction, Atiku described the situation as “a shameful reflection of the decay in Nigeria’s education system.” He said it was heartbreaking that, just a day after International Children’s Day, Nigerian students were forced to take such a vital exam in pitch-black settings.
“This isn’t just an unfortunate incident—it’s a glaring sign of institutional failure. For our children to sit national exams in the dark in 2025 is indefensible. Their futures are being treated with unacceptable neglect,” Atiku said.
He called for an immediate resit of the paper in all affected centers, insisting that anything short would amount to a “gross injustice.”
NANS Condemns WAEC’s Handling
NANS also blasted WAEC for what it called an “insensitive” and “negligent” approach. In a statement signed by Zone D Coordinator Owolewa Taiwo and General Secretary Oluwole Olutunde, the student body criticized WAEC for shifting the exam from 4 p.m. to as late as 7 p.m. in some areas.
They further accused the exam body of internal failures that forced thousands of candidates, especially in states like Lagos and Osun, to write exams under distressing conditions as late as 8 p.m. “It was a traumatic experience for many,” the statement read.
Students were reportedly using torchlights and lanterns to complete their papers—a scenario NANS described as “a violation of students’ rights and a threat to their safety.”
Lawmakers Summon WAEC Over Irregularities
The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education has given WAEC a 24-hour ultimatum to appear and explain the widespread irregularities. Committee Chair Oboku Oforji stated that the body’s failure to attend an earlier meeting was unacceptable, particularly amid growing concerns from students, parents, and educators.
“The exams have been marred by serious logistical failures. Reports of students writing papers as late as midnight are deeply disturbing. WAEC must appear before us to clarify what went wrong,” Oforji stated.
Firsthand Accounts From Across Nigeria
At Community Secondary School, Akpehe in Makurdi, a teacher, Mr. Smith Tyohum, confirmed the English theory paper didn’t begin until 5 p.m., hours behind schedule. He explained that the paper was delayed en route from Enugu, and the school had to use power generators to assist students.
In rural areas, conditions were worse, as most communities lacked electricity. Teachers in those areas reported scrambling for lamps and torchlights to help students finish the exam.
Parents Express Fear for Children’s Safety
In Bayelsa, the late-night exams sparked panic among parents. At Community Secondary School, Agudama-Epie, students resorted to candles, rechargeable lanterns, and mobile flashlights due to the delayed delivery of exam papers. Concerned parents reportedly combed exam centers at night, fearing for their children’s safety.
Kwara, Osun Officials React
Kwara’s Education Commissioner, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, described the disruptions as regrettable after touring schools across several local government areas. He urged WAEC to fix its logistics challenges to avoid a repeat of the chaos.
The state NUT chairman, Wahab Agboola, echoed this concern, saying that students were made to write exams in poor lighting conditions from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., calling the situation unacceptable.
In Osun, Commissioner for Education Dipo Eluwole held talks with WAEC officials over the delayed English theory paper. WAEC reportedly blamed the issue on technical problems during planning. Many schools had to hire generators, while others relied on flashlights and candles.
The National Association of Parents and Teachers (NAPTAN) in Osun also condemned the situation. Chairman Moshood Fadare described the experience as a “ridicule of the entire process,” saying it undermined the exam’s credibility.
Mixed Reactions From Other States
While several states experienced severe disruptions, others reported smooth conduct. In Bauchi and Gombe, officials confirmed that exams went on without issues. Bauchi’s Ministry of Education said it had not received any negative reports, though the chairman of the state’s Examination Ethics body criticized WAEC for not engaging relevant oversight bodies.
In Kano, there was a minor mix-up as students were asked to write Paper II instead of Paper I due to a leak. Some students were reportedly unprepared but persuaded to take the alternate paper nonetheless.
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