Fresh criticism has been directed at the West African Examinations Council after delays in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) reportedly forced students in several centers across Lagos to write exams late into the night.
The controversy gained attention after a teacher revealed that he had to escort some of his students home while carrying a cutlass because of safety concerns.
“I escorted some of my students to their house while holding a cutlass by 9:20 p.m.,” the teacher wrote on social media, expressing frustration over the situation and highlighting the risks faced by candidates returning home after dark.
Students Reportedly Wrote Exams Hours Behind Schedule
According to reports, candidates in parts of Lagos, including Lagos Island and Lekki, experienced significant delays due to the late arrival of examination materials.
On Monday, students scheduled to sit for Physics examinations reportedly began some papers several hours behind schedule, with certain candidates not starting until around 8 p.m.
The situation reportedly worsened during the General Mathematics examination, where some students did not finish their papers until about 10 p.m., despite the exams being scheduled to conclude much earlier in the day.
Candidates sitting for Agricultural Science Practical examinations also reportedly faced lengthy delays as they waited for materials to arrive at their centers.
Parents and School Administrators Express Concern
The delays have triggered concern among parents, teachers, and school administrators, many of whom say students are being exposed to unnecessary security risks and emotional stress.
One school principal questioned why similar logistical problems continue to occur despite widespread criticism during previous examination seasons.
The principal noted that forcing students to wait from afternoon until late evening to sit critical examinations could negatively affect their concentration, performance, and mental well-being.
Parents have also voiced frustration, with some reporting that their children returned home as late as 10 p.m. after completing examinations.
Calls for WAEC to Address the Challenges
The latest incident has reignited calls for WAEC to improve its examination logistics and ensure candidates are not subjected to long delays that disrupt schedules and compromise their safety.
Many education stakeholders argue that students preparing for important national examinations should be able to write their papers under proper conditions and return home at reasonable hours without fear for their safety.
As concerns continue to mount, attention is now turning to WAEC’s response and the steps the examination body plans to take to prevent similar disruptions in future examinations.#newsafro_
