Anger and disappointment swept across Taraba State on Wednesday after students sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) were forced to write their English paper late into the night, concluding around midnight.
The unexpected development has sparked criticism from parents and school proprietors, who described the experience as stressful and unacceptable.
The examination, initially slated for earlier in the day, was mysteriously delayed until approximately 9:00 p.m. No formal explanation was issued by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), leaving many confused and frustrated. Most of the candidates—largely teenagers—endured hours of waiting and wrote their exams under considerable fatigue.
Despite torrential rain, concerned parents and school owners transported their children to examination centres during what would ordinarily be bedtime hours. Many of the candidates, according to witnesses, were visibly drained by the time they began writing.
One school proprietor recounted the ordeal, revealing her students completed their exam around midnight. She voiced deep concern over the physical and psychological strain placed on the young candidates, most of whom had remained at school the entire day without proper meals or rest.
“As teenagers, they needed to be well-fed and in the right frame of mind to write such a critical paper. I had to take full responsibility for their welfare,” she explained.
She went further to condemn the logistical failures of the examination board. In a desperate bid to ensure the examination took place, she personally drove through the night rain to pick up exam officials.
She also revealed that she had to buy 30 litres of fuel to run the school’s generator, ensuring the hall was adequately lit—an added expense that was never anticipated.
“This wasn’t part of our plan or budget, and we hope it doesn’t happen again,” she added.
While some students were able to return home shortly after completing the paper, others were left with no option but to sleep in school due to the lateness of the hour and poor transportation options.
The unusual and troubling experience has drawn widespread condemnation. Parents and educators alike are now urging WAEC to thoroughly investigate the reasons behind the delay and implement measures to prevent a recurrence.
Many believe the wellbeing of students must be prioritized, especially during such critical academic moments.
What you should know
The late-night conduct of the WASSCE English paper in Taraba State marks a significant deviation from standard examination procedures.
Scheduled for the day, the test was delayed without justification, resulting in teenagers writing under exhaustion, stress, and difficult weather conditions.
One school owner had to shoulder unexpected responsibilities, including fueling generators and transporting officials, just to make the exam happen. Some students had no choice but to sleep in school due to the late hour.
The incident has provoked strong reactions from stakeholders, all demanding accountability from WAEC and safeguards to ensure students are never subjected to such conditions again.
