Many candidates sitting for the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) were forced to write their English Language paper late at night under poor lighting conditions due to delays in the examination process.
Videos and photographs shared online showed students in several centres across Nigeria using lanterns, rechargeable lamps and mobile phone flashlights to continue their examinations in dark classrooms without electricity.
The situation sparked widespread outrage after social media users posted evidence of candidates struggling to complete their papers in near-total darkness.
According to reports, the examination, which was expected to take place earlier in the day, experienced significant delays, forcing students to remain in school until late evening before writing the paper.
Several Nigerians from different states confirmed experiencing similar situations, suggesting that the problem was not limited to a single examination centre.
Some parents and students expressed frustration over the development, describing it as a reflection of the challenges facing the country’s education sector.
One candidate’s parent said students had to wait for hours before examination materials arrived, while others noted that the essay section of the paper was delivered much later than expected.
Reports from Delta State, Ogun State and Bayelsa State indicated that candidates were still writing examinations close to 10 p.m., relying on alternative light sources to see their answer sheets.
The incident has renewed concerns about examination management, educational infrastructure and the welfare of students across the country.
The development also triggered widespread criticism on social media, with many Nigerians calling on relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances that led to the delays and ensure such incidents do not reoccur.
