The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has strongly criticised the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) for its handling of the English Language paper during the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), following a last-minute delay that pushed the exam to an unusually late time slot.
In a statement made available to the press on Thursday, the National Public Relations Officer of NANS, Adeyemi Ajasa, described the rescheduling of the exam from the initially slated time to between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. as not only unacceptable but a direct threat to the safety and well-being of candidates, especially those residing in remote and insecure areas.
Ajasa, speaking on behalf of the association under the leadership of Comrade Olushola Oladoja, expressed outrage at what he termed WAEC’s “glaring unpreparedness” and “gross insensitivity,” particularly given the sensitive nature of a core subject like English Language, which is pivotal to students’ academic progress.
He said the sudden shift in schedule, allegedly triggered by a leaked exam paper, points to deeper operational failures within WAEC. “The National Association of Nigerian Students categorically condemns the undue delay and abrupt rescheduling of the English Language paper. This development, linked to question leakage, reveals serious lapses in WAEC’s internal security and quality control mechanisms,” he stated.
Ajasa further warned that allowing students to sit for such an important examination during late hours not only exposes them to physical risks but also disrupts their psychological focus and undermines the credibility of the entire examination process.
He added, “This is not the first time we are witnessing such issues. The recurring leakage of examination questions is a glaring indication of systemic weaknesses that must be urgently addressed. Nigerian students deserve better, and we demand accountability.”
NANS has now called on WAEC to publicly identify and sanction those responsible for the breach. The student body also demanded the implementation of stringent security reforms within the examination body, including the adoption of advanced technology and the retraining of personnel to prevent further embarrassments.
“The future of Nigerian students must not be compromised due to institutional inefficiencies,” the statement continued. “WAEC owes students and their families not just an explanation but a public apology. The Council must also ensure the safety of candidates returning home late after exams, particularly in high-risk areas.”
Ajasa warned that if WAEC fails to act decisively and transparently, NANS will not hesitate to escalate the matter further, insisting that the academic and emotional toll on students is far too great to be ignored.
NANS reiterated its unwavering commitment to defending the rights and interests of Nigerian students across all levels, vowing to hold any institution accountable where negligence affects the welfare of learners.
