The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has attributed the delay in conducting the 2025 English Language paper on Wednesday to intensified efforts aimed at curbing examination malpractice, particularly the leakage of question papers.
In a statement released on Thursday, WAEC acknowledged the disruption experienced by candidates during English Language Paper 2, which was scheduled for May 28 but was held several hours behind schedule in many centers nationwide.
Videos and photos circulated on social media showed students taking the exam as late as 10 p.m., resorting to torchlights and lanterns due to power outages.
This situation sparked outrage and renewed concerns about examination planning and student welfare.
Moyosola Adesina, WAEC’s Acting Head of Public Affairs, stated that the examination body’s commitment to protecting the integrity of the examination significantly contributed to the delay.
“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,” Adesina said.
“While we successfully achieved our objective, it inadvertently impacted the timeliness and seamless conduct of the examination.”
WAEC also cited other contributing factors, including logistical challenges, security concerns, and sociocultural dynamics, which disrupted operations in some areas.
To prevent a recurrence, WAEC announced it is collaborating with security agencies to streamline the process and improve operational efficiency in future exams.
“Despite our best efforts, we encountered logistical hurdles, security concerns and sociocultural factors that negatively influenced our operations. In order to forestall future occurrences of this nature, the council is currently collaborating with security agencies,” the statement added.
WAEC extended its apologies to students, schools, and parents for the inconvenience caused by the disruption, thanking all stakeholders for their understanding during what it described as a “challenging period.”
The examination body reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the integrity of its exams and promoting academic excellence across the region.
“We recognise the importance of 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 concluded.
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