WAEC Breaks Silence: English Exam Delay Due to "Malpractice," Apologizes for Night-Time Ordeal

 

Following widespread outrage and viral videos of students writing their English Language examination in the dark, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has finally released a statement, attributing the significant delay on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, primarily to its intensified efforts to combat examination malpractice.

In a statement released to The Cable by its spokesperson, Moyosola Adesina, today, Thursday, May 29, 2025, WAEC acknowledged the "disruption experienced by candidates" during the late conduct of Paper 2 of the English Language examination. The examination, originally slated for 4:00 PM, commenced hours behind schedule in numerous centers across the country, forcing students to rely on candles and phone lights for visibility until 9:00 PM.

WAEC clarified that its rigorous focus on curbing question paper leakage, while successful in safeguarding the examination materials, "inadvertently affected the timeliness and smooth execution of the process." This suggests that measures taken to prevent fraud inadvertently created logistical setbacks.

The examination body also cited other contributing factors, including broader logistical challenges, security concerns, and various sociocultural issues. They assured the public that they are actively "working closely with security agencies to ensure that such delays do not recur in the future."

The council extended a formal apology to students, schools, and parents for the considerable inconvenience caused by the disruption, expressing gratitude for their understanding during what it described as a "challenging period."

"We understand the importance of conducting examinations on schedule, and recognise the impacts delays have on candidates, their schools, and their families,” Adesina added, reaffirming WAEC’s unwavering commitment to upholding the integrity of its examinations and promoting academic excellence across the West African region.

While WAEC's explanation sheds light on the complex challenges of exam administration in a region prone to malpractice, the incident has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on candidates and their families, sparking calls for more robust and reliable logistics in future examination cycles.