WAEC said delays in some 2026 WASSCE examinations were caused by the deaths of three officials in a road accident while transporting exam materials, alongside security challenges, late candidate registration, and logistical issues, but assured that measures have been put in place to ensure the remaining exams proceed smoothly.
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has explained the reasons behind the delays experienced during some papers in the ongoing 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), attributing them to a deadly road accident, security concerns, and logistical challenges.
In a statement issued on Monday by WAEC’s Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, the examination body revealed that three of its officials lost their lives in a road accident on June 3, 2026, while transporting confidential examination materials between states. The accident occurred along the Gombe–Yola highway when their vehicle collided with a truck.
According to WAEC, the tragic incident disrupted the distribution of examination materials and contributed significantly to the late commencement of some examinations in affected centres.
Last week, candidates sitting for Mathematics and Agricultural Science examinations in parts of Oyo, Lagos, and Osun states reportedly began their papers much later than scheduled because question papers and answer booklets arrived late. In several centres, students had to complete their exams after sunset, using torchlights, mobile phone flashlights, and solar lamps for illumination.
WAEC stated that preliminary findings showed the delays resulted from a combination of factors, including the fatal accident, security challenges in some regions, delays in finalising examination arrangements, and the late registration of candidates.
The council expressed sadness over the loss of its personnel, noting that despite the tragedy, staff members worked tirelessly to implement emergency measures that allowed examinations to proceed in the affected areas.
WAEC also explained that late candidate registration affected the timely production of examination materials, while protests linked to the abduction of schoolchildren in certain areas further hindered the distribution process.
The examination body assured candidates, parents, and stakeholders that steps had been taken to prevent similar disruptions during the remaining papers. It pointed to the smooth conduct of examinations on June 5 as evidence that most of the challenges had been resolved.
WAEC maintained that necessary arrangements are now in place to ensure the rest of the 2026 WASSCE is conducted without further setbacks.
The 2026 May/June WASSCE for school candidates began on April 21 and is scheduled to conclude on June 19, 2026.
READ ALSO: 17-Year-Old Oyo Boy’s WAEC Results Go Viral
Stories You Shouldn't Have Missed:
- Brilliant Young Woman Wins Rhodes Scholarship, Secures Two Fully Funded Master’s Degrees at Oxford
- Brilliant 8-year-old Girl Sets Record, Wins $10K Scholarship to Study at University of Texas
- JUST IN: Buhari’s chief of staff, Ngige to meet ASUU Thursday
- Lady Overjoyed as She Begins NYSC After 12-Year Academic Journey
- Father and Son Graduate Together from Same U.S. University, Become First in Family to Earn Degrees
- My Dad Sold His Taxi to Pay My WAEC fee – Nigerian Chess Master
- Wife Disappears After Leaving for NYSC, 2 Years Later Still Missing
Join Our 500,000+ Community:
Thank you so much for reading. We will appreciate it if you share this with your loved ones.