By DAYO ADESULU
…Says Fatal Accident, Security Challenges Disrupted Distribution of Examination Materials
The West African Examinations Council, West African Examinations Council (WAEC), has explained the reasons behind the delayed conduct of Mathematics and Agricultural Science papers in some centres during the ongoing 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for school candidates.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Council’s Public Affairs Department, WAEC said preliminary investigations revealed that a combination of logistical and operational challenges was responsible for the disruption experienced by candidates in some examination centres.
According to the examination body, one of the major causes of the delay was a tragic motor accident that occurred on June 3, 2026, involving officials transporting sensitive examination materials across states.
The Council disclosed that the accident claimed the lives of three members of its staff, a development that significantly affected its distribution schedule and contributed to the late commencement of examinations in some affected locations.
WAEC expressed sadness over the loss of its personnel and noted that emergency contingency measures were immediately activated to ensure that candidates in the affected areas were still able to sit for the examinations.
The Council further stated that challenges relating to the finalisation of examination modalities and late registration of candidates also affected the timely preparation and distribution of examination materials.
In addition, WAEC said prevailing security concerns in some parts of the country contributed to the delays. The Council explained that protests arising from the abduction of schoolchildren in certain areas disrupted the movement and delivery of examination materials despite efforts made to maintain the examination timetable.
While acknowledging the concerns raised by stakeholders and members of the public, WAEC assured candidates, parents and schools that measures had already been put in place to prevent a recurrence of such incidents during the remainder of the examination period.
The Council noted that improvements were already evident in the conduct of examinations held on June 5, adding that it remains committed to ensuring a smooth and credible examination process for all candidates.
WAEC also commended its stakeholders, including the Federal and State Ministries of Education, the Nigeria Police and other security agencies, for their continued support and cooperation throughout the conduct of the examination.
Reaffirming its commitment to educational excellence, the Council stated that it would continue to uphold the academic credibility and administrative integrity for which it is widely known across West Africa.
The statement was signed by Moyosola F. Adesina, Head of Public Affairs, WAEC National Office, Lagos, on behalf of the Head of National Office.
