WAEC Explains 3-Hour Exam Delay, Late Night Finish: Security Measures Against Exam Leakage Cited

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has attributed the significant delay experienced during a recent examination session—where candidates began a paper three hours late and ended as late as 9:00 PM—to stringent security protocols aimed at curbing examination malpractice, particularly paper leakage.

In an official statement released on Wednesday, WAEC acknowledged the public outcry and concerns from students, parents, and school administrators over the unusual disruption during the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). The Council clarified that the delay was not due to logistical failures but rather the deliberate implementation of preventive measures to ensure the integrity of the examination process.

“We deeply regret the inconvenience caused to candidates and their families,” the statement read. “However, these measures were essential in safeguarding the credibility of the examination and upholding the trust placed in us by the public.”

According to WAEC, intelligence reports had indicated potential leaks of certain papers, prompting last-minute changes to examination logistics. The Council, working with security agencies and internal monitoring teams, reportedly instituted a revised question paper distribution protocol on the day of the exam in question. This led to delays in the arrival of the exam materials at several centers across the country.

Some candidates reported waiting in examination halls for over three hours before the paper began. In many centers, the affected exam, which was scheduled to end in the early evening, extended well into the night—forcing students to complete their scripts in near darkness, in areas with unstable electricity supply.

Parents and education stakeholders have since raised concerns over the welfare and safety of students, especially those who had to travel home late at night. Social media was flooded with posts expressing frustration, while some questioned WAEC’s preparedness for this year’s exam cycle.

In response, WAEC urged the public to understand the delicate balance between timely delivery and secure administration. “We do not take the welfare of our candidates lightly,” the Council stated. “But we must act decisively in situations where the sanctity of the examination is at risk.”

WAEC also confirmed that it is working to review its crisis-response procedures to minimize future disruptions while maintaining its zero-tolerance policy toward examination malpractice. Officials added that further consultations with education ministries, school heads, and student unions are ongoing to develop improved guidelines for emergency response during exams.

The Council reaffirmed its commitment to conducting fair, credible, and secure examinations, adding that all affected candidates will not be disadvantaged by the delay.

Despite the explanation, some educational advocacy groups have called for an independent investigation into the incident, urging WAEC to be more transparent and proactive in its communication with stakeholders.

The WASSCE, which is a critical academic milestone for thousands of students across West Africa, continues through June. WAEC has pledged to prevent a recurrence of such disruptions and maintain high standards in its