The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has attributed the delay in the conduct of the 2025 English Language Paper 2 to intensified measures aimed at curbing examination malpractice, particularly the leakage of question papers.
In a statement issued on Thursday, WAEC acknowledged that the paper, originally scheduled for the morning of May 28, was conducted several hours late in many centres across Nigeria — with some students reportedly writing the exam as late as 10pm under torchlights and lanterns due to power outages.
WAEC’s Acting Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, explained that the delays were an unintended consequence of the council’s commitment to securing the integrity of the examination process.
“While maintaining the integrity and security of our examination, we faced considerable challenges primarily due to our major aim of preventing leakage of any paper.
“While we successfully achieved our objective, it inadvertently impacted the timeliness and seamless conduct of the examination,” Adesina stated.
Disturbing scenes shared on social media showed students sitting for the critical paper in pitch-dark classrooms, using flashlights and kerosene lamps. One widely reported case from Delta State documented students beginning their exam hours after the scheduled time due to delayed delivery of the question papers.
WAEC also cited logistical setbacks, security concerns, and sociocultural factors as contributing to the disruption.
“Despite our best efforts, we encountered logistical hurdles, security concerns and sociocultural factors that negatively influenced our operations,” the statement added.
To prevent a recurrence, the council revealed it is now collaborating closely with security agencies to streamline logistics and improve efficiency for the remaining papers in the exam cycle.
WAEC expressed regret over the incident and issued a public apology to affected students, schools, and families.
“We recognise the importance of the timely conduct of examinations and the impact of this decision on the candidates, their schools and parents, and we sincerely apologise for any inconveniences caused,” Adesina said.
Despite the disruption, the council reaffirmed its dedication to upholding exam integrity and ensuring academic excellence across the West African region.
The 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for school candidates began on April 24 and is scheduled to conclude on June 20.
