WAEC Exam in Darkness a National Disgrace — Atiku
…Says students deserve a retake, demands systemic education reform
…Reps summon WAEC over exam irregularities
…NANS slams Council over English paper delay, insecurity
By Adesina Wahab, Luminous Jannamike & Gift Chapi-Odekina
ABUJA — Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the recent incident where Nigerian students were forced to write the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in pitch darkness, describing it as a “national disgrace” and a clear failure of public education standards.
Atiku’s remarks follow growing public outrage over the chaotic conduct of the 2025 WASSCE, particularly reports of students sitting for exams under hazardous and unfit conditions due to power outages, question paper leaks, and poor logistics.
In a statement on Thursday, Atiku said:
“This is not merely an unfortunate incident; it is a damning indictment of our systemic failure to uphold the most basic standards in public education.
“It is unacceptable, unjustifiable, and utterly indefensible that in 2025, our children are forced to write critical national exams in pitch darkness like second-class citizens.”
The former VP called for the reconduct of affected examinations in all compromised centres and urged authorities to establish minimum infrastructural standards for national exams moving forward.
“Anything less would be a grave injustice to the students whose futures hang in the balance,” he said.
Reps Committee Gives WAEC 24 Hours to Appear
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies has summoned WAEC to appear before it within 24 hours, citing numerous complaints and irregularities during the ongoing exams.
Committee Chairman, Oboku Oforji, issued the ultimatum on Thursday, expressing deep concern over WAEC’s failure to honour an earlier invitation to clarify issues surrounding the SSCE.
“We have received reports of students writing exams as late as midnight in some centres,” Oforji said.
“WAEC’s absence today is unacceptable, especially when their presence is needed to address the trauma Nigerian students are experiencing.”
He added that WAEC claimed it couldn’t attend the hearing due to being occupied with ongoing exams, a reason he said only reinforces the urgency of their appearance.
NANS Blasts WAEC Over English Paper Delay, Exam Leak
In a related development, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has strongly criticized WAEC for the postponement of the English Language paper, reportedly caused by a leak of examination materials.
According to a statement from NANS Public Relations Officer, Adeyemi Ajasa, the paper was rescheduled to 4:00 p.m. and later delayed until 7:00 p.m., causing massive disruption and risking students’ safety—particularly those in rural communities.
“Holding exams at such late hours is not only insensitive but exposes students to danger and psychological stress,” NANS said.
“WAEC has failed in its responsibility to uphold professionalism, preparedness, and efficiency.”
The student body further demanded urgent reforms within WAEC to restore credibility to Nigeria’s examination process.
