Outrage after Nigerian students write major exams with candlelight at night
Some students in Nigeria sat for a key school exam late into the night, using candles and torches to see their papers, after hours of unexplained delays.
The English Language paper, part of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC), was meant to begin on Wednesday (May 28) afternoon.
But in some areas, students only started writing as late as 10:00 p.m. local time, with some continuing into the early hours of May 29.
Several images and videos were shared online showing dark classrooms with no electricity, as students tried to complete the test by flashlight.
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC), which organises the exam, has since apologised to students, schools, and parents.
In a statement, WAEC said a mix of logistical problems, security concerns and efforts to stop exam leaks caused the delays.
“Despite our best efforts, we encountered logistical hurdles, security concerns and sociocultural factors that negatively influenced our operations,” parts of the statement said.
The incident has since drawn criticism from many Nigerians who say the late-night exams were unfair and stressful for students. Others have asked for a cancellation.
Meanwhile, WAEC said it is working to prevent a repeat of the situation. The exam is taken by final-year secondary school students in Nigeria and other West African countries.
