The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has attributed the delayed conduct of some papers in the ongoing 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) to a combination of logistical and operational challenges, including a fatal road accident that claimed the lives of three of its officials.
WAEC made this known in a statement issued on Monday by its Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina.
According to the council, the three officials died in a road accident along the Gombe-Yola highway on Wednesday after a collision involving a truck. The officials were reportedly transporting sensitive examination materials across states when the incident occurred.
WAEC said the tragedy significantly disrupted its distribution schedule and contributed to the delayed commencement of some examination papers at affected centres.
Last week, candidates sitting for Mathematics and Agricultural Science examinations in parts of Oyo, Lagos and Osun states experienced major delays in the delivery of question papers and answer booklets. As a result, some examinations started late in the evening.
In several centres, candidates relied on torchlights, mobile phone flashlights and solar-powered lamps to complete their papers after sunset. Others reportedly moved outside their classrooms to make use of available natural light.
The examination body said preliminary findings showed that the delays were caused by multiple factors. These included the fatal accident, security challenges in some areas, issues related to finalising examination arrangements and the late registration of candidates.
“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 said.
WAEC added that despite the loss of its personnel, staff members worked tirelessly to implement emergency measures that ensured the examinations were conducted in affected areas.
The council also explained that late registration by candidates affected the timely production of examination materials. It noted that ongoing security concerns and protests over the abduction of schoolchildren in some locations further complicated the distribution process.
WAEC assured candidates, parents and stakeholders that measures had been put in place to prevent similar disruptions during the remaining papers.
The council pointed to the smooth conduct of examinations on Friday, June 5, as evidence that the challenges had largely been addressed.
“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,” WAEC stated.
The 2026 May/June WASSCE for school candidates began on April 21 and is scheduled to end on June 19, 2026.
