By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. | adeyemi@ddnewsonline.com
Editor, DDNews |
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has blamed the delays experienced in some papers of the ongoing 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) on a fatal road accident that claimed the lives of three of its officials, as well as prevailing security and logistical challenges.
WAEC disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday by its Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, following widespread complaints from candidates and parents over late commencement of papers in several examination centres across the country.
Follow DDNewsOnline on Facebook For More Breaking News
According to the council, the three officials died on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, in a road accident along the Gombe-Yola highway while transporting sensitive examination materials. The tragedy severely disrupted the distribution schedule and contributed significantly to the delays.
“The delay was caused by a combination of logistical and operational challenges, notably the direct result of a devastating motor accident on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, which tragically claimed the lives of three of our dedicated personnel who were transporting sensitive examination materials interstate,” the statement read.
Follow And Like Us On Tiktok
WAEC noted that the loss of the officials, combined with security concerns, including protests linked to the abduction of schoolchildren in some areas, hindered the timely delivery of question papers and answer booklets.
Candidates in several centres across Oyo, Lagos and Osun states had to write Mathematics and Agricultural Science papers late into the evening. In some cases, students reportedly used torchlights, mobile phone flashlights, and solar-powered lamps to complete their examinations, while others moved outside classrooms after sunset to take advantage of available light.
For Breaking News And More Follow Us On Instagram
The council said preliminary investigations also revealed that late registration of candidates and challenges in finalising examination arrangements affected the timely production and distribution of materials.
“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 affected areas,” WAEC said.
Subscribe To The Best Team In Conservative, Business, Technology, Lifestyle And Digital News Realtime! support@ddnewsonline.com
Check out – Discover How to work and Earn with Dailyhustle
The council assured the public that measures have been put in place to prevent a recurrence of the delays in the remaining papers.
“The council hereby assures the general public that it has put modalities in place to ensure that the rest of the examination is conducted hitch-free,” the statement added.
The 2026 May/June WASSCE for school candidates commenced on April 21 and is scheduled to end on June 19.
Follow Us On Youtube
DDNewsOnline – Lagos
By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. (Beedee)
Send tips to: adeyemi@ddnewsonline.com
09164987165 / 08168555497
©️ 2026 DD NewsOnline