Widespread delays in the ongoing WAEC 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) have triggered alarm among teachers, parents, and school administrators after candidates were reportedly forced to sit for core papers late into the night across parts of Lagos.
In one disturbing account, a teacher revealed he had to escort students home with a cutlass after an exam ended around 9:20 p.m., raising fresh concerns about student safety and examination logistics.
-
Candidates in Lagos reportedly wrote WAEC exams as late as 10 p.m. due to delays in exam material delivery
-
A teacher said he escorted students home at 9:20 p.m. with a cutlass for protection
-
Stakeholders are demanding urgent reforms and clearer communication from WAEC
Late-Night Exams Trigger Outrage Over WAEC Logistics
Reports from several centres across Lagos, including Lagos Island and Lekki, indicate that candidates experienced repeated delays during core papers such as Physics, Mathematics, and Agricultural Science. In some cases, students scheduled to finish in the afternoon reportedly did not begin their examinations until several hours later, with sessions stretching deep into the night.
One teacher described the situation as unsafe and unacceptable, especially for young candidates returning home after dark. “I escorted some of my students to their house while holding a cutlass by 9:20 pm,” he said, highlighting fears of insecurity and poor coordination at examination centres.
Parents and Schools Raise Alarm Over Student Welfare
Parents and school officials have also expressed frustration over what they described as a recurring failure in examination management. Some candidates reportedly returned home as late as 10 p.m., sparking concerns about fatigue, concentration, and exposure to security risks.
A school principal questioned why similar disruptions continue despite previous warnings. “Why are we experiencing this again after what happened last year? These delays have psychological effects on candidates,” the principal said, adding that students are unfairly subjected to long waiting hours before writing critical papers.
Also Read: Livinus Nwosu Says He May Return to DSS Custody After Release
WAEC Responds Amid Calls for Urgent Reform
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has acknowledged the disruptions, attributing them to unforeseen logistical challenges while assuring stakeholders that efforts are underway to resolve the issues.
“Yes, we are aware of some hitches due to unforeseen circumstances. However, we are doing everything possible to address the issues,” a WAEC official stated.
However, as the 2026 examination continues, stakeholders are demanding stronger coordination, improved security measures, and timely delivery of examination materials to prevent a repeat of the chaos that left candidates writing core subjects late into the night.
For now, concerns remain high over whether WAEC can restore confidence in the examination process and ensure the safety and wellbeing of thousands of students nationwide.
