Nigerians have expressed widespread anger after videos surfaced online showing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) candidates in Osun State writing their English Language Papers II and III in pitch darkness using torchlights and candles.
The paper, initially set for 4pm, reportedly began around 7 pm and ended by 9 pm.
According to a local examiner, the delay was due to a leaked question paper, forcing WAEC to issue a last-minute replacement.
Earlier in the day, candidates had completed the Oral English section and waited for hours for the remaining parts.
Concerned parents showed up at night with food and water for their children, who had remained in school under insecure and unsafe conditions.
Jumoke Adedokun, a teacher, described the experience as frustrating and chaotic, warning it could lead to a wave of failures.
“We used phone torchlights to conduct the exam. WAEC insisted it must hold today,” she said.
WAEC has not officially responded to the incident, but public outrage continues to grow online, with many Nigerians calling the episode an embarrassment to the nation’s education system.
