Paper Leaks, Logistics Delayed Conduct Of Exams – WAEC

The West African Examinations Council, WAEC, has blamed paper leaks and logistical issues for the delayed conduct of English Language exams which saw some students sitting for the examination late into the night in some parts of the country.

At a resumed investigative hearing organized by the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies, WAEC’s Head of National Office, Dr. Amos Dangut explained that the organization discovered security breaches three days before the exams and faced challenges in distributing replacement papers.

According to him, the logistical issues included vehicle breakdowns and community restrictions, including parts of Taraba State which hindered the timely delivery of exam materials.

He apologized for his absence at a previous committee meeting,citing pressing matters requiring his attention.

A member of the Committee, Dagomie Abiante, queried the sincerity of the examination body in not taking appropriate measures when it discovered the leak, adding that the students were kept through the night to take the exams.

Abiante said the examination body, and indeed the country, failed to take measures against such an occurrence, as done by other member states of the council.

The Chairman of the Committee, Oboku Oforji, described the situation as a national embarrassment emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency in the examination process.

Mr Oforji, emphasized that the breach was unacceptable and that WAEC must restore public confidence and ensure that such a lapse never happens again.

The committee had, during its sitting on the 30th of May, 2025, demanded an explanation for the poor handling of the WAEC examinations, which has caused a huge public outcry and condemnation across the country.

“This committee wants to know, parents and Nigerians want to know, we owe them a duty of care, and to whom much is given, much is expected. Monies were appropriated by Parliament for the conduct of these examinations”.

“We are not trying to kill a fly with a sledgehammer as a committee, but like I said in the last meeting, we need to know the immediate and remote causes of the woeful conduct of the examinations, and in doing this, we may forestall a future occurrence”.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji