The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has explained the reasons behind the delays recorded in the conduct of some papers during the ongoing 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), revealing that a tragic road accident that claimed the lives of three of its officials, alongside security and logistical difficulties, significantly disrupted examination operations.
The examination body made this known in a statement issued on Monday by its Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, following public concerns and complaints from candidates, parents, and stakeholders over the late commencement of some examination papers in various centres across the country.
According to WAEC, the unfortunate incident occurred on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, along the Gombe–Yola highway. The officials who lost their lives were reportedly transporting highly sensitive examination materials across states when the accident happened. The council noted that the tragedy disrupted planned distribution schedules and contributed substantially to delays experienced in some examination centres.
“The delay was caused by a combination of logistical and operational challenges, notably the direct result of a devastating motor accident on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, which tragically claimed the lives of three of our dedicated personnel who were transporting sensitive examination materials interstate,” the statement said.
WAEC explained that the sudden loss of the officials created significant challenges in the movement of examination materials. Combined with ongoing security concerns in some parts of the country, the council said the incident affected its ability to deliver question papers and other examination materials within the expected timeframe.
Last week, candidates in several examination centres across Oyo, Lagos, and Osun states were forced to sit for mathematics and agricultural science papers much later than scheduled after delays were recorded in the delivery of question papers and answer booklets.
Reports from some centres indicated that candidates had to complete their examinations after sunset. In certain locations, students reportedly relied on torchlights, mobile phone flashlights, and solar-powered lamps to continue writing, while others moved outside classrooms in search of better lighting conditions.
The council stated that findings from its preliminary assessment also pointed to additional factors that contributed to the disruptions. These included challenges associated with the finalisation of examination logistics as well as late registration of candidates, which affected the timely production and distribution of examination materials.
WAEC further disclosed that security-related issues also played a role in the delays. The council noted that protests and disturbances connected to the abduction of schoolchildren in some parts of the country affected the movement of personnel and examination materials.
“While we mourned our fallen colleagues, our team of indefatigable staff worked around the clock to deploy emergency contingency measures to ensure that the examination was still conducted in the affected areas,” the council stated.
The examination body expressed appreciation to its staff members who worked under difficult conditions to ensure that candidates were able to sit for their papers despite the setbacks. It also assured stakeholders that corrective measures have been implemented to prevent similar disruptions during the remaining stages of the examination.
According to WAEC, the successful conduct of subsequent papers on Friday, June 5, demonstrated that most of the operational challenges had already been addressed and resolved.
“The council hereby assures the general public that it has put modalities in place to ensure that the rest of the examination is conducted hitch-free,” the statement added.
The 2026 May/June WASSCE for school candidates commenced on April 21 and is expected to conclude on June 19, 2026.
