The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has reverted to its traditional 48-hour examination material distribution schedule after a brief trial of a 24-hour delivery policy led to widespread delays and a tragic road accident in Gombe State. The change was implemented during the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) following days of disruptions that forced candidates at several centres across Nigeria to sit for exams late into the evening.
Return to 48-Hour Distribution
WAEC had introduced the 24-hour distribution window as part of efforts to enhance examination security and prevent question paper leaks, which had been a concern in previous years. However, the compressed schedule proved impractical in a country with vast distances and challenging road conditions. Delivery teams struggled to meet deadlines, resulting in significant delays at numerous examination centres.
Sources familiar with the council's operations indicated that the traditional two-day cycle had previously allowed sufficient time for secure movement of materials from printing facilities to custody points nationwide, while also enabling officials to address transportation and security challenges without severe time pressure.
Impact on Candidates
The disruptions affected candidates sitting key subjects, with some examinations extending into late hours. This prompted renewed concerns about student concentration, safety, and readiness during assessments. Parents, school authorities, and education stakeholders criticized the impact on students' performance and welfare.
Tragedy in Gombe State
The policy reversal comes amid mourning within WAEC following the deaths of three officials in a road accident in Gombe State. Eleshin Dennis Olayinka, Dan-Malam Add'ua Muhammed, and Yusuf Umar Gwamna were killed while transporting examination-related materials along the Gombe-Yola Road. Reports indicated that their vehicle was involved in a head-on collision after an approaching trailer allegedly crossed into their lane.
The incident has affected staff morale, with some personnel expressing concerns about the risks associated with examination logistics under demanding timelines. In a condolence message, WAEC's Head of National Office, Dr Amos Dangut, paid tribute to the deceased, stating, "Their sudden and painful departure has left a void that will be difficult to fill. I pray that God will comfort their families and grant us all the strength, courage and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss."
Government Measures on Malpractice
Earlier, the federal government introduced fresh measures to tackle examination malpractice in the Senior School Certificate Examination, a key requirement for admission into tertiary institutions across the country. The new steps apply to examinations conducted by WAEC, the National Examination Council (NECO), and the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB).
