West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has attributed delays in the conduct of some papers in the ongoing 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) to a fatal road accident that claimed the lives of three of its officials, as well as security and logistical challenges.
WAEC disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday by its Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, following widespread complaints over the late commencement of some examination papers in several centres across the country.
According to the council, the three officials died on June 3 in a road accident along the Gombe-Yola highway while transporting sensitive examination materials across states, disrupting the distribution schedule and contributing significantly to delays recorded in some centres.
“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 said the loss of the personnel, coupled with prevailing security challenges, severely affected the timely delivery of examination materials to some centres.
The council noted that preliminary investigations also revealed that challenges associated with finalising examination arrangements and the late registration of candidates affected the timely production and deployment of examination materials.
It further stated that security concerns, including protests linked to the abduction of schoolchildren in some areas, hindered the movement and distribution of examination materials.
Last week, candidates in parts of Oyo, Lagos and Osun states reportedly sat for Mathematics and Agricultural Science examinations late into the evening following delays in the delivery of question papers and answer booklets. Some candidates were seen using torchlights, mobile phone flashlights and solar-powered lamps to complete their examinations after sunset.
WAEC said that despite the tragedy, its staff worked round the clock to deploy emergency contingency measures to ensure the affected examinations were conducted.
“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,” the council stated.
The examination body assured candidates, parents and other stakeholders that measures had been put in place to prevent a recurrence and ensure the smooth conduct of the remaining papers. It added that examinations conducted on June 5 indicated that the challenges had largely been resolved.
WAEC reiterated its commitment to maintaining the integrity and credibility of the WASSCE and expressed appreciation to security agencies and education stakeholders for their support.
The 2026 May/June WASSCE commenced on April 21 and is scheduled to end on June 19
