WAEC Addresses Late-Night English Exam Delay, Cites Anti-Malpractice Measures
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has issued an apology following the widespread delay of the 2025 English Language Paper 2, which left many students across Nigeria sitting for the exam late into the night.
Originally scheduled for the afternoon of Wednesday, May 28, the English Language exam was conducted several hours behind schedule in numerous centres. In some locations, students reportedly completed their exams as late as 10pm, using torchlights and kerosene lanterns due to power outages — a development that has sparked national outrage and raised serious concerns about student welfare and examination logistics.
WAEC Explains the Cause of the Delay
In a statement released on Thursday, WAEC’s Acting Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, attributed the delay to intensified measures aimed at preventing examination malpractice, especially the leakage of exam papers — a persistent challenge in previous years.
“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,” said Adesina.
She added that although WAEC successfully protected the integrity of the exam, it inadvertently affected the timeliness and smooth execution of the process.
Other Contributing Factors
Beyond malpractice prevention, WAEC cited additional challenges including logistical setbacks, security issues, and sociocultural dynamics that hindered prompt delivery and coordination in some exam centres.
“Despite our best efforts, we encountered logistical hurdles, security concerns, and sociocultural factors that negatively influenced our operations,” the statement noted.
Steps to Prevent Future Disruptions
In response to the backlash, WAEC announced that it is collaborating closely with security agencies to streamline the examination process and ensure timely delivery of question papers in future examinations.
“In order to forestall future occurrences of this nature, the council is currently collaborating with security agencies,” Adesina added.
Apology to Students and Stakeholders
WAEC extended its sincere apologies to students, parents, and school administrators affected by the disruption. The council expressed gratitude for their patience during what it described as a “challenging 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,” the council stated.
Viral Reactions and Student Hardship
Earlier reports and social media footage revealed troubling scenes from various WAEC centres, especially in Delta State, where candidates reportedly waited hours for the exam papers to arrive. In many instances, students were forced to complete their papers under poor lighting conditions, highlighting serious gaps in planning and infrastructure.
WASSCE 2025 Continues Until June 20
The 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for school candidates commenced on April 24 and is expected to conclude on June 20.
Were you or someone you know affected by the delayed WAEC English exam? Share your experience in the comments below. Let’s bring awareness to the real challenges students face during national exams.
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