NANS blasts WAEC over delayed English exam, demands accountability

DDM News

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a strong condemnation against the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) over the delayed English Language paper during the ongoing Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations (SSCE).

The association described the delay as a direct threat to the safety and mental well-being of Nigerian students.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the English Language exam, originally scheduled for 4 p.m., was postponed to 7 p.m. in certain parts of Benue State.

As a result of this change, some students were forced to complete their examination in the dark.

These students relied on phone torches and lanterns to answer the objective section of the exam.

The delay reportedly stemmed from an alleged leakage of the examination question paper.

In response, NANS released an official statement on Thursday through its National Public Relations Officer, Comrade Adeyemi Samson Ajasa.

The statement expressed shock and disappointment at what it termed a “gross disregard” for students’ safety.

NANS emphasized that many students, particularly in rural areas, faced increased risks due to the rescheduled timing.

According to the group, students were forced to travel late at night along unsafe routes to return home after the exams.

This, they argued, was an unacceptable outcome of administrative negligence.

The association accused WAEC of failing to uphold the standards expected of a major examination body.

It further called for the immediate identification and punishment of those responsible for the question leak.

NANS demanded the implementation of stricter security measures to prevent future occurrences.

They also urged WAEC to issue a public apology to all affected students and their families.

According to NANS, such incidents shake the foundation of trust in Nigeria’s education system.

They argued that the recurring issue of exam leaks revealed systemic problems in WAEC’s operations.

The group stated that these failures unfairly burden students who already struggle with multiple educational challenges.

“The academic future of our students must not be jeopardized by institutional lapses,” the statement warned.

NANS further stressed that WAEC should use technology and staff training to improve its security systems.

They insisted that urgent reforms were needed to safeguard the integrity of examinations.

WAEC, established in 1952, is responsible for conducting school-leaving examinations across West Africa.

Over the years, it has come under increasing criticism for its inability to prevent paper leaks.

NANS said the credibility of WAEC examinations was at serious risk if these lapses continued.

They warned that unless decisive steps were taken, the student body would escalate the matter.

This could include nationwide protests or legal actions against WAEC.

The student association maintained that conducting exams as late as 7 p.m. was dangerous and unacceptable.

Such a decision, they said, affects students’ mental preparedness and endangers their lives.

The group insisted that all examination bodies must prioritize student safety and integrity.

As of the time of this report, WAEC had not issued a public response to the allegations.

Education stakeholders across the country have joined in calling for accountability from WAEC.

There is growing pressure for the examination body to review its operational procedures.

Many believe that failure to act could lead to further distrust in the educational system.

NANS reiterated its commitment to defending the rights and welfare of Nigerian students.

They vowed to continue demanding justice until those responsible are held accountable.

This incident adds to a growing list of challenges facing Nigeria’s educational sector.

For now, students and parents across the country await WAEC’s official reaction.

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