Torchlights and Tension: WAEC Justifies English Exam Delay as Anti-Leak Measures Trigger Chaos Across Centres

 

A wave of criticism has trailed the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) after a significant delay marred the conduct of the 2025 English Language Paper 2, leaving thousands of candidates across Nigeria taking the exam deep into the night under dim lighting from torchlights and lanterns.

The exam, originally scheduled for Wednesday, May 28, did not begin as planned in many centres, with some students reportedly starting as late as 10 p.m. The delay, which triggered an uproar online and drew sharp rebuke from parents and educators alike, has now been attributed to WAEC’s intensified efforts to safeguard the integrity of the examination process.

Reacting to the backlash in a statement released on Thursday, WAEC’s Acting Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, explained that heightened anti-malpractice measures were largely responsible for the disrupted schedule. The council had implemented stricter protocols to prevent any form of leakage, especially for the English Language paper—a high-stakes component of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

According to Adesina, while these new security strategies were effective in preventing the compromise of exam materials, they also introduced serious operational delays. "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," she stated.

Candidates at several centres were seen struggling through the exam under candlelight and kerosene lamps, with photos and videos flooding social media. These visuals quickly ignited public concern, raising uncomfortable questions about the state of infrastructure and crisis management in Nigeria’s education sector.

From Delta State to parts of the North, stories emerged of examination papers arriving many hours behind schedule. Teachers and school administrators expressed frustration at being left in the dark—both figuratively and literally—without timely communication from WAEC.

The exam body further cited logistical hurdles, security threats, and complex local dynamics as aggravating factors. In some areas, the physical movement of examination materials was impeded by safety concerns and infrastructural barriers, contributing to the extended wait time.

Efforts are now underway to prevent similar issues in upcoming papers. WAEC revealed it is collaborating with security agencies to overhaul its logistics and improve coordination. “Despite our best efforts, we encountered logistical hurdles, security concerns and sociocultural factors that negatively influenced our operations,” Adesina noted.

WAEC’s apology extended to the students, their families, and educational institutions affected by the chaos. The council stressed its awareness of the emotional and academic toll such disruptions can have on young candidates, particularly for a subject as pivotal as English Language.

“The Council recognises 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,” Adesina concluded.

Despite the turbulence, WAEC reaffirmed its long-term goal of preserving the credibility of its assessments across the region. The 2025 WASSCE, which began on April 24, is expected to run until June 20. Stakeholders now await how the Council will navigate the remainder of the schedule amid heightened scrutiny and pressure to deliver a smoother experience.

As debates continue to swirl around the adequacy of WAEC’s planning, the late-night exam incident has become emblematic of larger systemic issues facing Nigeria’s education system—from inadequate infrastructure to a persistent struggle against examination malpractice. Whether WAEC’s renewed commitment to reform will restore public confidence remains to be seen.