Four days circulation of English Language before the exam caused leakage of WASSCE paper & late night conduct
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has explained that its intensified efforts to prevent examination malpractice were responsible for the nationwide delay in administering the 2025 English Language examination.
The paper, originally scheduled for Tuesday, May 28, was conducted several hours behind schedule in numerous centres across Nigeria, leaving many students waiting late into the evening to sit for one of their most critical subjects.
In a statement released on Thursday, WAEC acknowledged the disruptions experienced during the conduct of English Language Paper 2 and expressed regret for the distress caused to candidates, schools, and families.
“We understand the importance of conducting examinations on schedule and recognise the impact that delays can have on candidates, their schools, and their families,” said Moyosola Adesina, WAEC’s spokesperson, in a media statement.
The 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for school candidates began on April 24 and is expected to conclude by June 20. The English Language paper is considered a cornerstone subject for students, and the delay sparked frustration across many examination centres.
Adesina noted that while the council successfully safeguarded the exam materials from leaks and other forms of malpractice, the stringent protective measures inadvertently led to logistical breakdowns.
“Our focus on securing the integrity of the examination materials unintentionally affected the timeliness and smooth execution of the process,” she explained.
WAEC also cited a combination of logistical, security, and sociocultural challenges as contributing factors to the delay. The council assured the public that it is collaborating with relevant security agencies and logistics partners to prevent a recurrence.
WAEC offered an unreserved apology to all affected stakeholders and thanked them for their patience during what it described as a “challenging period.”
Despite the setback, the examination body reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the credibility of the WASSCE and to promoting academic excellence across West Africa.
Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism
Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.
As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.
If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.
