Outrage as WAEC’s Exam Logistics Collapse, Leaves Thousands of Students Stranded Nationwide

A wave of anger and frustration has erupted across Nigeria following the failure of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to deliver English Language exam papers to several centres across the country on Wednesday, leaving thousands of students stranded for hours and forced to write their exams in darkness.

The English Language Paper 2, a crucial part of the ongoing 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), was scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m. But in many centres across states like Osun, Delta, and parts of Delta and Edo, the exam papers did not arrive until late into the evening. In some areas, candidates began the exam as late as 7:30 p.m., using torchlights to write.

At the time of filing this report, several viral videos and social media posts captured scenes of students waiting helplessly for hours and eventually writing under mobile phone lights, raising serious questions about WAEC’s logistical preparedness.

A user, Lamina Kamiludeen Omotoyosi, posted on Facebook: “At several centres in Osogbo, the English Paper 2 scheduled for 2:00 p.m. has not arrived. It is now 7:44 p.m. and students are still waiting. WAEC, what is the issue?”

Another X (formerly Twitter) user, @ClementBoyi, shared: “It’s 7:14 p.m., and WAEC students are still waiting outside for their English exam papers in Orhuwhorun town, Udu LGA. This is very sad.”

In Delta State, similar scenes played out. According to state education officials, a previous incident on May 23 also saw students at Unity Modern School in Asaba writing exams late into the night using torchlights due to a four-hour delay in the delivery of Physics exam papers.

Delta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Rose Ezewu, in response to the recurrent delays, expressed her displeasure with WAEC’s planning and logistics. Although she clarified that the state does not control WAEC operations, she stressed that the government has a duty to advocate for the welfare of students.

“The state government finds this unacceptable. I have contacted the WAEC branch controller in Asaba and conveyed our strong displeasure,” Ezewu said.

The Federal Ministry of Education also weighed in on the controversy. Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, condemned the situation, describing the scenes of students writing in the dark as “completely unacceptable.” In a statement issued by the ministry’s Director of Press, Folasade Boriowo, the minister said the incident at Unity Secondary School in Asaba revealed a grossly unsuitable setting for a major academic exercise.

“This should never have happened,” Alausa stated. “We are working with WAEC and relevant state authorities to investigate and ensure this never repeats itself.”

He assured the public that the outcome of the investigation will be made public, and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to providing safe and enabling environments for assessment nationwide.