Candidates sitting for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) were left in difficult conditions across several centres in Oyo, Lagos, Ogun and Osun states after delays in the delivery of examination materials reportedly forced them to write their papers late into the night.
Reports from affected centres indicated that students scheduled to write afternoon papers waited for hours before receiving their question papers. In several instances, examinations that were expected to begin in the early afternoon were delayed until evening, while others extended far beyond normal hours.
The situation was particularly severe in parts of Oyo State, where candidates sitting for Agricultural Science practical examinations were reportedly still waiting for materials late into the evening.
Some examinations that were supposed to commence around 2pm reportedly did not begin until nightfall in certain centres.
Due to poor lighting conditions, several candidates were forced to rely on torchlights, mobile phone flashlights and solar-powered lamps to complete their examinations.
Videos circulating on social media showed students writing under dim and improvised lighting, sparking widespread concern and criticism online.
Parents and members of the public expressed frustration over the development, questioning the logistics behind the examination process and raising concerns about the safety of students kept at centres late into the night.
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Some also alleged shortages of question papers in certain locations, which contributed to the delays.
The incident has triggered calls for accountability and improved planning in the conduct of the examination, with stakeholders urging the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to address the lapses and prevent a repeat of such disruptions.
Reacting to the situation, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) described the development as unacceptable and dangerous.
The association warned that keeping candidates in examination centres until late hours exposed them to unnecessary risks, especially in areas already facing security challenges.
NANS called on examination authorities to urgently review their logistical arrangements and strengthen contingency measures to ensure that examinations are conducted in a timely and safe manner.
Meanwhile, WAEC officials have said an official statement will be released to address the concerns raised by candidates, parents and other stakeholders.
The 2026 WASSCE, which began on April 21, is scheduled to conclude on June 19.
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