By Olatunbosun Obafemi
Students in some Nigerian states taking the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) sat for the English Language Paper 2 under extreme conditions late into the night on Wednesday, with some still writing past midnight on Thursday.
Originally scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, the exam was delayed in several centres, with some students beginning as late as 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Viral videos shared by concerned parents showed students using candles and phone flashlights to write the exam due to the absence of electricity.
In response, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) issued an apology to candidates, parents, and schools. WAEC spokesperson Moyosola Adeshina attributed the delays to efforts to prevent question paper leaks and safeguard the integrity of the exam. She cited logistical issues, security concerns, and sociocultural factors as contributing challenges.
