The Lagos State Government has rescheduled all Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) papers that were originally slated for Wednesday, July 1, 2026, following the announcement of the Oro Festival in parts of the Ikorodu Division.
The development was confirmed in a statement shared on the state government’s official X account on Tuesday.
According to the government, all examination papers affected by the postponement will now be conducted on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, while every other paper on the examination timetable will proceed as originally scheduled.
The Oro Festival is a traditional Yoruba cultural observance performed to honour deities, enforce communal laws and spiritually cleanse communities, particularly after the death of a monarch.
The festival is characterised by male-only rites and movement restrictions, during which women, children and non-initiates are expected to remain indoors until the ceremonies are concluded.
The state government explained that the decision to adjust the examination timetable followed consultations with relevant stakeholders after the traditional festival was declared in parts of Ikorodu.
“Following the declaration of the Oro Festival in parts of the Ikorodu Division on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, and after due consultation with relevant stakeholders, the State Government has approved the postponement of all BECE papers earlier scheduled for the day,” the statement read.
The Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, through the Lagos State Examinations Board, stated that the adjustment affects the ongoing 2026 BECE, which began on Monday, June 29.
Officials said the postponement was necessary to protect candidates, examination officials and other participants while ensuring the examinations are conducted without disruption.
“This decision has been taken as a precautionary measure to safeguard the lives of candidates, examination personnel and other stakeholders, as well as to ensure the smooth and orderly conduct of the examination without disruption,” the statement added.
The government advised all affected candidates to obtain the updated examination timetable from their respective schools and make adequate preparations for the rescheduled papers.
It also expressed regret over any inconvenience caused by the change and appealed to parents, guardians, school authorities, candidates and members of the public for their understanding and cooperation.
The Lagos State Examinations Board reiterated its commitment to organising credible, transparent and seamless public examinations in line with the state’s educational standards and objectives.
