The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) issued a public apology on May 28, 2025, for logistical challenges that forced some candidates to write the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) at night.
The issue affected over 5,000 students across Nigeria, Ghana, and Sierra Leone, primarily in rural centers, due to delays in delivering examination materials and scheduling conflicts. In Nigeria’s Ogun and Bauchi states, students sat for mathematics and English papers under inadequate lighting, with some centers relying on lanterns and generators.
WAEC attributed the problem to supply chain disruptions, including fuel shortages and poor road networks, which delayed material distribution. The council also cited overlapping timetables caused by the integration of digital-based tests, a new initiative for 2025. The nighttime exams sparked outrage from parents and teachers, who criticized WAEC for compromising students’ performance and safety. In response, WAEC promised to reschedule affected papers for June 2025 and provide free retests. The council also committed $1 million to improve logistics, including partnerships with local transport firms.
The apology has been met with skepticism, with education unions demanding an independent probe into WAEC’s preparedness. The incident has reignited debates about examination management in West Africa, where over 2 million candidates sit WASSCE annually. WAEC’s digital transition, aimed at reducing malpractices, faces scrutiny, with stakeholders urging better infrastructure to support it. The council’s response will be critical to restoring confidence, as WASSCE remains a gateway to higher education and employment in the region.