The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has issued a formal apology following the unexpected delay in administering the English Language Paper 2 of the ongoing 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). The paper, which was slated for an earlier time, was eventually conducted on Wednesday evening, sparking widespread concern among candidates, parents, and educators across Nigeria and other participating countries.
In an official statement released by the Acting Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, WAEC explained that the postponement was a calculated move aimed at safeguarding the credibility of the examination. The council emphasized that its decision was driven by the urgent need to prevent the leakage of exam materials-a threat that has plagued public examinations in the region in previous years.
“While we remain committed to the integrity and security of our examinations, we faced considerable obstacles primarily geared toward preventing any potential compromise,” the council stated.
WAEC acknowledged the disruptions caused by the delay, especially for students who had prepared extensively for the high-stakes paper. The council expressed deep regret over the inconvenience, noting that the late rescheduling affected not just candidates but also schools and guardians who had made prior arrangements based on the original timetable.
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According to WAEC, a combination of logistical difficulties, increased security concerns, and socio-cultural considerations contributed to the disruption. These factors, they said, collectively slowed down operations and made it necessary to shift the exam to a later time in order to preserve its integrity.
Despite the hiccup, WAEC maintained that the English Language Paper 2 was conducted successfully without any compromise. The council reaffirmed its dedication to upholding the highest standards in the administration of examinations across West Africa and pledged to improve its processes going forward.
WAEC assured stakeholders that measures are being put in place to ensure more seamless exam experiences in the future. The council urged candidates and the public to remain confident in its capacity to deliver credible and timely assessments, even in the face of operational challenges.