WAEC Exams Delayed Again as Candidates Write Late Into the Night, Parents Express Concern

Repeated delays during the 2026 WAEC examinations forced many candidates to write papers late into the night, prompting complaints from parents, schools and stakeholders while WAEC says it is working to resolve the challenges.

The ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), organised by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), has faced major disruptions across several examination centres, with many candidates forced to sit for their papers hours behind schedule and, in some cases, late into the night.

Reports from various centres in Lagos, particularly in Lagos Island and Lekki, indicate that the delays became more severe during the week. On Monday, candidates writing Physics Papers 1 and 2, originally scheduled between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., reportedly experienced long waits, with some students not beginning one of the papers until around 8:00 p.m.

The situation continued on Wednesday during the General Mathematics examination. Candidates who were expected to complete both the essay and objective sections earlier in the day reportedly remained in examination halls until about 10:00 p.m. before finishing their papers.

On Thursday, some students scheduled to take the Agricultural Science Practical examination were still waiting several hours after the official start time due to the late arrival of examination materials. In certain centres, officials reportedly informed candidates that the necessary materials had not yet been delivered.

The recurring delays have sparked frustration among parents, school administrators and other education stakeholders. Many expressed disappointment that similar problems have resurfaced despite widespread criticism following comparable incidents during last year’s examination exercise.

One school principal, who requested anonymity, described the situation as troubling, noting that extended delays can negatively affect students’ concentration and emotional well-being. According to the principal, candidates who prepare mentally for examinations at specific times may struggle when forced to wait several additional hours before writing.

Parents have also voiced concerns about the safety and welfare of students returning home late at night. A parent in the Lekki area said his child arrived home around 10:00 p.m. after an examination, adding that he had expected WAEC to have implemented measures to prevent a repeat of last year’s challenges.

The issue has generated widespread discussion on social media, where users have complained about delayed examinations, shortages of question papers and poor coordination at some centres. Others alleged that students had to wait for hours before supervisors arrived, while some raised concerns about schools charging candidates for mathematical instruments used during the examinations.

Many commentators questioned how students could be expected to perform at their best after spending most of the day waiting to write their papers. Concerns were also raised about the physical and mental strain placed on candidates as well as the risks associated with travelling home late at night.

Responding to the complaints, a WAEC official acknowledged that the council was aware of the difficulties being experienced. The official explained that certain unforeseen circumstances had contributed to the disruptions but assured stakeholders that efforts were underway to resolve the problems and restore normal examination schedules.

Although WAEC has yet to release a formal public statement explaining the causes of the delays, education stakeholders are calling on the examination body to provide clearer information and introduce measures that will prevent similar disruptions in future examinations.

Separately, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) has urged the Federal Government to reconsider its position regarding the conduct and administration of WASSCE, stressing the need for solutions that will protect students and ensure a smoother examination process.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, VANGUARD