APPEAL TO REVIEW LATE EVENING TIMETABLE FOR 2026 WASSCE AMID SECURITY CHALLENGES
The Registrar/Chief Executive
West African Examinations Council, Nigeria
WAEC National Office, Yaba
Lagos, Nigeria
The Honourable Minister
Federal Ministry of Education
Federal Secretariat, Abuja
FCT, Nigeria
Dear Sir/Madam,
I write with deep concern as a stakeholder in Nigeria’s education sector regarding WAEC’s recent decision to schedule some WASSCE papers in late evening slots, often ending after 7:00pm.
While I appreciate WAEC’s efforts to curb examination malpractice and manage logistics, the timing poses unacceptable risks to students given our current security situation. Insecurity, kidnapping and armed robbery remain critical issues across many states. Requiring 15-18 year olds to travel home after dark directly endangers their lives. Many parents in rural and urban areas already avoid night travel, yet students would have no choice.
Beyond safety, late exams also affect academic performance. Students writing demanding subjects like Mathematics, *Physics* , and English when fatigued, hungry, and under stress cannot demonstrate their true ability. This undermines the integrity and purpose of the examination.
*I respectfully appeal that WAEC, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, review the timetable by:*
1. *Prioritizing morning/afternoon slots* for all papers where possible
2. *Using Computer-Based Testing centers* with adequate security and power for evening slots, if unavoidable
3. *Coordinating with security agencies* to provide escorts/protection for students in high-risk areas
4. *Consulting schools and parents* before finalizing future timetables
Our children’s safety and right to education must not be compromised. *An exam that protects papers but exposes lives defeats its purpose* .
I trust you will give this urgent matter the consideration it deserves.
Yours faithfully,
*Olatunde Azeez
8025717982
(Osogbo Osun state)
The Registrar/Chief Executive
West African Examinations Council, Nigeria
WAEC National Office, Yaba
Lagos, Nigeria
The Honourable Minister
Federal Ministry of Education
Federal Secretariat, Abuja
FCT, Nigeria
Dear Sir/Madam,
I write with deep concern as a stakeholder in Nigeria’s education sector regarding WAEC’s recent decision to schedule some WASSCE papers in late evening slots, often ending after 7:00pm.
While I appreciate WAEC’s efforts to curb examination malpractice and manage logistics, the timing poses unacceptable risks to students given our current security situation. Insecurity, kidnapping and armed robbery remain critical issues across many states. Requiring 15-18 year olds to travel home after dark directly endangers their lives. Many parents in rural and urban areas already avoid night travel, yet students would have no choice.
Beyond safety, late exams also affect academic performance. Students writing demanding subjects like Mathematics, *Physics* , and English when fatigued, hungry, and under stress cannot demonstrate their true ability. This undermines the integrity and purpose of the examination.
*I respectfully appeal that WAEC, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, review the timetable by:*
1. *Prioritizing morning/afternoon slots* for all papers where possible
2. *Using Computer-Based Testing centers* with adequate security and power for evening slots, if unavoidable
3. *Coordinating with security agencies* to provide escorts/protection for students in high-risk areas
4. *Consulting schools and parents* before finalizing future timetables
Our children’s safety and right to education must not be compromised. *An exam that protects papers but exposes lives defeats its purpose* .
I trust you will give this urgent matter the consideration it deserves.
Yours faithfully,
*Olatunde Azeez
8025717982
(Osogbo Osun state)