The ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), has been disrupted by significant delays, forcing candidates in some centres to write examination papers late into the night.
Checks across several centres in Lagos, particularly on Lagos Island and in the Lekki axis, revealed that the delays became more pronounced this week.
On Monday, Physics Papers 2 and 1, scheduled to hold between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., reportedly did not commence on time, with some candidates writing the second paper at about 8 p.m.
Similarly, on Wednesday, candidates sitting for General Mathematics experienced major disruptions. The essay paper, slated for 9:30 a.m. to noon, and the objective paper, scheduled for 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., were reportedly concluded around 10 p.m.
The development has sparked concern among parents, school administrators and education stakeholders, coming barely a year after similar incidents saw candidates sitting for examinations as late as midnight.
As of Thursday evening, candidates scheduled to sit for Agricultural Science Practical were still waiting for examination materials several hours after the paper was expected to begin.
Candidates at some centres were reportedly informed that examination materials had yet to arrive.
A school principal, who spoke anonymously, expressed disappointment over the recurring challenges.
“Why are we experiencing this again after what happened last year? Apart from the security concerns in the country, these delays have psychological effects on candidates. Imagine preparing for an examination scheduled for noon and eventually writing it at 7 p.m. or later,” the principal said.
He added that many stakeholders had expected WAEC to have addressed the challenges following last year’s incidents.
A parent in Lekki also criticised the situation, saying the delays were affecting students’ welfare and raising concerns about examination management.
