WAEC Apologises for Delay in Exam to Avert Paper Leakage

WAEC apologises for English exam delay, says leakage prevention efforts led to logistical challenges.

Holding the Line: WAEC’s Late Exam Move Sparks Mixed Reactions

For thousands of Nigerian students sitting for the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), Wednesday evening turned out to be more stressful than expected.

Instead of taking their English Language Paper 2 in the usual morning schedule, candidates waited hours before finally sitting for the crucial paper well into the evening.

The cause? A preemptive decision by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC)

to safeguard the sanctity of the test by delaying its administration a move that has triggered both commendation and criticism.

The council has now formally apologised, explaining that the delay was a difficult but necessary step to prevent any possibility of paper leakage.

“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused by the delay,” WAEC said in a statement signed by Moyosola Adesina, Acting Head of Public Affairs.

Why the Delay?

WAEC cited multiple reasons for the rescheduling of the English Language Paper 2, chief among them being security and logistical challenges.

According to the council, the delay was primarily meant to prevent examination leakage a longstanding issue that has historically plagued the credibility of external examinations in Nigeria.

“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,” the statement read.

In other words, the council was caught in a delicate balancing act: protect the credibility of the exam or uphold a seamless schedule. They chose the former.

A Necessary Sacrifice?

To understand the magnitude of WAEC’s dilemma, it’s important to consider the scale and significance of the English Language paper.

It is a compulsory subject, serving as a key determinant in university admissions and job opportunities for millions of Nigerian youths.

In recent years, WAEC has battled persistent cases of exam malpractice, often fueled by question leaks shared on social media and underground networks.

The council’s stringent measures, including tighter surveillance and now, delayed administration, are aimed at restoring public trust.

While the 2025 WASSCE may now be remembered for this unusual scheduling, some educators believe the council made the right call.

“It’s better to delay than to cancel or invalidate the results due to malpractice,” said Mrs. Anene Ifeoma, a secondary school principal in Lagos.

“This decision, although stressful for the students, sends a strong message about exam integrity.”

Candidates’ Voices: Frustration and Fatigue

However, not everyone sees it that way. Students and parents have taken to social media to express their dissatisfaction with how the day unfolded.

“We were kept in the hall for hours without any clear information. Some of us didn’t eat all day,” said David, a candidate in Abuja.

Others described the situation as “mentally exhausting,” especially given the high stakes and pressure already associated with the WASSCE.

Parents, too, voiced concern over the lack of communication.

“WAEC should have informed schools and guardians earlier. This was poorly managed,” a parent tweeted.

Still, some acknowledged the complexity of WAEC’s responsibility and lauded the council’s prioritisation of integrity over convenience.

The Bigger Picture: Leakage and Its Costs

WAEC’s decision to delay the exam brings renewed focus to a persistent national problem: the leakage of exam papers.

This not only undermines the efforts of genuine candidates but also tarnishes the reputation of Nigeria’s educational system.

“We recognise the importance of timely conduct of examinations and the impact of this decision on candidates, their schools and parents,” the statement noted.

The Council admitted the move affected the timeliness and smooth flow of the exam process but remained confident that its primary objective leakage prevention was achieved.

Despite the backlash, some education stakeholders argue that this disruption could serve as a wake-up call for the country to invest in better infrastructure,

digital exam systems, and more effective exam security protocols.

Inside WAEC’s Operations: What Went Wrong?

WAEC Apologises for Delay disclosed that several internal and external variables contributed to the delay. These include:

Logistical hurdles: Moving papers securely to various locations across Nigeria, often in remote areas, remains a mammoth task.

Security concerns: Growing threats to exam centers, including theft and impersonation.

Socio-cultural factors: Regional disparities and local events that may influence the exam environment.

These factors, WAEC noted, “negatively influenced our operations.”

Yet, the council reaffirmed its commitment to upholding high standards and maintaining its long-standing credibility across West Africa.

Historical Context: WAEC’s Integrity Under Fire

This is not the first time WAEC has come under scrutiny for exam-related issues.

In the past decade, numerous controversies have emerged from question leaks on WhatsApp groups to impersonation rings busted mid-exam.

In 2021, for instance, a major leak of Mathematics and Biology papers caused widespread scandal, forcing the council to cancel and reschedule the exams.

That experience appears to have significantly shaped WAEC’s current approach.

“We will continue to promote academic excellence and maintain a zero-tolerance stance on malpractice,” the council emphasized.

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Moving Forward: What Should Be Done?

While WAEC’s apology is a necessary gesture, many believe structural reforms are needed to prevent such disruptions in the future.

Suggestions include:

Real-time digital paper distribution to reduce the window for leaks.

Improved transparency with candidates and schools.

Decentralised logistics with stronger local partnerships.

Psychological preparedness training for candidates to deal with uncertainty.

“We need to stop reacting and start planning proactively,” said Dr. Christopher Ogunleye, an education policy analyst.

WAEC’s Assurance and the Path Ahead

The Council has reiterated its resolve to stick to best practices and ensure candidates are not short-changed by systemic flaws.

“We will not relent in our efforts to guarantee the credibility of our exams,” WAEC stated.

While the 2025 WASSCE English Language Paper 2 delay may have rattled many nerves, it also reinforces the difficult choices required to run a fair and reputable examination body in Nigeria.

For now, candidates will need to soldier on, hoping that future exam days proceed more smoothly.