The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially apologised to candidates, schools, and parents over the delay in conducting the English Language Paper 2 during the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). According to reports, the examination finally took place on Wednesday evening, after several hours of delay.
In a statement released by Moyosola Adesina, the Acting Head of Public Affairs Department at WAEC, the council revealed that the delay was caused by unforeseen challenges faced during the process of maintaining the integrity and security of the examination. The major reason for the hold-up, according to the statement, was the council’s commitment to preventing any leakage of the exam papers.
Moyosola Adesina said, “While maintaining the integrity and security of our examination, we faced considerable challenges primarily due to our major aim of preventing leakage of any paper. We recognise the importance of timely conduct of examinations and the impact of this decision on candidates, their schools, and parents, and we sincerely apologise for any inconveniences caused.”
The delay affected thousands of candidates sitting for the important English Language paper, which is a crucial part of the WASSCE. The paper tests the reading, comprehension, and writing skills of students across West Africa, and is an important examination for those seeking admission into tertiary institutions or employment opportunities.
WAEC, which is responsible for conducting standardized exams in Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and The Gambia, said in the statement that although it successfully achieved its objective of securing the examination process, the delay unintentionally impacted the timeliness and smooth running of the examination.
“In spite of our best efforts, we encountered logistical hurdles, security concerns, and socio-cultural factors that negatively influenced our operations,” the statement added. These challenges have sometimes been common in the conduct of large-scale examinations in the West African region, as the council strives to balance security measures with the need for timely examination delivery.
The council reassured all stakeholders that it remains committed to upholding the highest standards in examination conduct. WAEC pledged to continue promoting academic excellence and ensuring that all candidates have a fair and credible examination experience.
Many education stakeholders have expressed concern about the impact of such delays on students. Delays in examination can affect students’ academic planning, application for higher education, and career prospects. However, WAEC’s emphasis on exam security highlights the importance of protecting the integrity of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination.
WASSCE is one of the most important exams for senior secondary school students across the West African sub-region. It is conducted annually and serves as a gateway for students into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. The examination covers a wide range of subjects including Mathematics, English Language, Sciences, and Social Studies.
The English Language Paper 2 is particularly critical because it tests practical language skills such as essay writing, comprehension, and summary writing. Any delay in conducting this paper can have a ripple effect on the overall examination timetable and cause anxiety for students and parents alike.
WAEC’s role in the region extends beyond Nigeria, covering five English-speaking West African countries. The council has in recent years put more effort into tightening security around exam papers to prevent leaks and malpractice. This has sometimes led to logistical complications but is seen as necessary to maintain credibility and trust in the examination system.
Education experts advise that while delays are unfortunate, the focus on security and fairness should not be compromised. Students and parents are encouraged to remain patient and to stay updated on official announcements from WAEC.
In conclusion, WAEC’s apology and explanation for the delay in English Language Paper 2 of the 2025 WASSCE shows the council’s dedication to balancing security with timeliness. As the examination continues, the council promises to keep improving its operations to minimize disruptions and uphold academic standards across West Africa.
