Nigerians have taken to social media to express shock and anger after candidates sitting for this year’s West African Examination Council (WAEC) English paper parts II and III were forced to write their exams in near darkness due to a power outage and security concerns.
The examination, originally scheduled to take place from 4 p.m., was delayed and eventually commenced at 7 p.m., ending at 9 p.m. Students were seen using torchlights and candles to illuminate their exam halls as they attempted to complete their papers under difficult conditions.
Sources revealed that the delay was caused by the discovery of a leaked exam question paper. An examiner in Osun State explained that the question paper had to be changed urgently after students were found to have seen the original questions, leading to the late start.
A teacher, Jumoke Adedokun, described the situation as frustrating, noting that WAEC officials insisted the exam proceed despite the challenges. She warned that the adverse conditions could lead to a mass failure in Osun State. Parents were seen arriving at schools late into the night with food and water for their children, who had been at the exam venues all day.
The examination body has yet to officially comment on the blackout and delay, while concerns continue to mount over the impact of these disruptions on students’ performance.
