WAEC 2025 English Exam Delay Sparks Outrage as Candidates Write in Darkness Across Nigeria
WAEC Confirms Delay in English Language Paper Due to Anti-Malpractice Measures
By LEVI JOHNSON
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially apologised for the WAEC 2025 English Exam Delay, which disrupted scheduled examinations across multiple states in Nigeria. The council cited its intensified efforts to prevent examination malpractice—especially question paper leaks—as the main reason for the delay.
In a statement released on Thursday, May 29, WAEC acknowledged the major setback that affected students during the English Language Paper 2 on Wednesday, May 28. While the paper was initially scheduled for earlier in the day, many candidates reportedly sat for the exam late into the night, with some centres conducting the test as late as 10 p.m.
Subheading 2: Students Sit for Exams in the Dark Amid Power Outages and Delay
Disturbing videos and photos surfaced on social media, showing students taking the exam under torchlights and kerosene lanterns. In centres affected by power outages, classrooms were plunged into darkness, forcing candidates to complete the high-stakes exam in unsafe conditions.
One widely circulated video from Delta State depicted exhausted students writing under dim lighting, hours after the original exam time. The WAEC Exam Delay has since attracted criticism from educators, parents, and human rights advocates across the country.
Subheading 3: WAEC Blames Logistical and Security Challenges
WAEC’s Acting Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, explained that the council was determined to uphold the integrity of the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). According to her, security threats and logistical obstacles worsened the situation.
“While we prioritised the prevention of any paper leakage, the resulting effect was a significant delay in exam distribution and coordination,” Adesina stated. “Despite achieving our goal of maintaining security, this unfortunately impacted the smooth conduct of the English Language examination.”
Adesina also identified sociocultural conditions and infrastructure limitations as contributing factors that affected the seamless delivery of exam materials.
Subheading 4: Council Pledges to Improve Examination Coordination
In response to the public backlash, WAEC announced plans to collaborate more closely with security agencies. This partnership aims to streamline exam delivery processes and ensure that future examinations are conducted promptly and safely.
“We are actively reviewing our operations with the aim of eliminating such disruptions in future editions of WASSCE,” Adesina added. She emphasised that the council remains committed to academic excellence and the protection of student welfare.
WAEC also expressed gratitude to stakeholders—including students, parents, and school authorities—for their patience and understanding during what it described as a “challenging period.”
Subheading 5: Stakeholders Condemn Poor Planning and Demand Accountability
Educators and civil society organisations have called for accountability following the WAEC 2025 English Exam Delay. Many expressed concern that such logistical failures could negatively impact students’ performance and mental well-being.
A Lagos-based education consultant, Mrs. Adanma Ugwu, criticised WAEC’s failure to anticipate the fallout from its anti-malpractice measures. “While we commend their fight against malpractice, it should not be at the expense of student comfort and fairness,” she said.
On social media, parents and observers decried the situation, urging the Federal Ministry of Education to initiate reforms that would modernise exam logistics and strengthen WAEC’s operational capacity.
Subheading 6: WAEC English Exam Delay Highlights Deeper Educational Challenges
The WAEC 2025 English Exam Delay has reignited debates about Nigeria’s underfunded education system. Critics argue that delays, poor infrastructure, and lack of contingency planning are symptomatic of deeper systemic issues.
“The sight of students using phone flashlights to take national exams is disheartening,” said Ibrahim Musa, an education policy analyst. “This isn’t just a WAEC issue—it reflects how little value is placed on education in our country.”
The English Language paper is one of the most important components of the WASSCE, and its delayed administration could have long-term consequences on student progression and university admissions.
The 2025 WASSCE for school candidates began on April 24 and is scheduled to end on June 20. However, this week’s incident has raised concerns about whether the remaining papers will be conducted without further disruptions.
Conclusion: Ensuring Integrity Should Not Compromise Student Welfare
While WAEC’s commitment to fighting malpractice is commendable, education stakeholders insist that future measures must strike a balance between integrity and student welfare. Adequate preparation, timely communication, and improved logistics must be prioritised to prevent further occurrences of exam delays.
With public trust now shaken, WAEC faces increased pressure to prove that its systems can protect both the sanctity of exams and the dignity of Nigeria’s future leaders.
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