WAEC blames 2026 WASSCE delay on logistical, operational hitches

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has attributed delays in the conduct of the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in some centres to a combination of logistical and operational challenges.

WAEC in a statement issued by Moyosola Adesina, head of public affairs of the council, for the head of national office at WAEC-Nigeria, explained that the unforeseen disruptions affected the timely administration of some examination papers.

“The West African Examinations Council has received with deep concern the reports concerning the delayed conduct of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in some centres. Upon receipt of the reports, preliminary investigations immediately commenced to ascertain the cause(s) to address them and forestall a recurrence for the rest of the duration of the examination.

“It is therefore necessary to inform our valued stakeholders of our findings and the steps taken so far to ensure that the incident of delayed conduct does not occur for the rest of the conduct of the examination. The delay was caused by a combination of logistical and operational challenges,” the statement read in part.

According to the council, the direct result of a devastating motor accident on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, which tragically claimed the lives of three of WAEC’s dedicated personnel who were transporting sensitive examination materials interstate.

“This heartbreaking loss, coupled with prevailing regional security challenges, severely compromised our distribution schedule, which inadvertently led to the delayed start times.

“While we mourned our fallen colleagues, our team of indefatigable staff worked around the clock to deploy emergency contingency measures to ensure that the examination was still conducted in the areas affected.”

Besides, WAEC explained that other factors responsible for the delay include the issues of finalising the mode of conduct of the examination and the subsequent late registration of candidates, which affected the timely preparation of examination materials.

“Security challenges which led to mass protests against the abduction of school children also affected the timely distribution of examination materials in spite of the council’s best efforts,” WAEC emphasised.

However, the examination body has assured candidates and stakeholders that measures are being implemented to address the issues and safeguard the integrity of the examination process.

Hence, the council assures the general public that it has put modalities in place to ensure that the rest of the examination is conducted hitch-free as observed from the conduct of the examination on Friday, June 5, 2026.

Moreover, it noted that the council has enjoyed the massive support and cooperation of its stakeholders which include the federal and state ministries of education, the Nigeria Police and other security agencies, who have remained worthy partners in the course of WAEC’s delivery on its mandate.

“WAEC remains unwavering in its commitment to maintaining the academic credibility and administrative integrity for which it is widely reputed,” the council stated.