The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has explained that the delay in administering the 2025 English Language examination on Wednesday was a direct result of heightened efforts to combat examination malpractice, especially the leakage of question papers.
In a statement released on Thursday, the council acknowledged the disruptions that affected the English Language Paper 2, originally scheduled for May 28. Many examination centres nationwide reportedly began the paper several hours later than planned.
Footage and images that circulated widely on social media depicted candidates still writing the exam as late as 10pm, some using torchlights and lanterns due to power outages. These scenes drew significant public criticism and raised renewed questions about WAEC’s examination logistics and student welfare.
Moyosola Adesina, the Acting Head of Public Affairs at WAEC, stated that the delay stemmed largely from the council’s efforts to secure the examination process.
“While maintaining the integrity and security of our examination, we faced considerable challenges primarily due to our major aim of preventing leakage of any paper. While we successfully achieved our objective, it inadvertently impacted the timeliness and seamless conduct of the examination,” Adesina explained.
WAEC also cited other factors that complicated the process, including logistical setbacks, security-related issues, and regional sociocultural influences that disrupted operations in some areas.
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The council assured the public that it is currently working closely with security agencies to refine its processes and ensure smoother administration in future exams.
“Despite our best efforts, we encountered logistical hurdles, security concerns and sociocultural factors that negatively influenced our operations. In order to forestall future occurrences of this nature, the council is currently collaborating with security agencies,” the statement noted.
WAEC issued an apology to students, schools, and parents for the distress caused by the disruption and expressed gratitude to all involved for their patience during what it described as a difficult period.
“We recognise the importance of timely conduct of examinations and the impact of this decision on the candidates, their schools and parents, and we sincerely apologise for any inconveniences caused,” Adesina added.
News Round The Clock gathered several reports of troubling scenes from various WAEC centres, including students sitting for the exam in dark rooms, relying on flashlights and kerosene lamps to write their papers. One such incident occurred in Delta State, where students reportedly did not begin their exam until late in the evening due to delays in the delivery of question papers.
The 2025 edition of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for school candidates began on April 24 and is expected to conclude on June 20.
