The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has explained the frustrating delays in the ongoing 2026 WASSCE, pointing to a tragic road accident that claimed the lives of its officials and the persistent challenge of insecurity across parts of Nigeria.

Many students across states like Lagos, Oyo, and Osun found themselves waiting for hours before starting papers, with some writing deep into the night. Parents are understandably angry and worried about their children’s safety, mental stress, and the disruption to their preparation. For teenagers already under exam pressure, sitting in dimly lit halls late at night is far from ideal.

According to WAEC, a serious motor accident involving staff transporting examination materials led to the loss of three officials. This heartbreaking incident disrupted logistics at a critical time. Compounding the problem is the high level of insecurity in some regions, making it risky to move materials freely and forcing extra caution during distribution.

WAEC has apologised to candidates and assured the public that efforts are underway to restore normal schedules, including reverting to the 48-hour material distribution window. The council emphasised that staff welfare and security remain top priorities while trying to prevent malpractice and ensure credible exams.

For Nigerian students and families, this situation highlights deeper issues   poor infrastructure, road safety problems, and widespread insecurity that affect even essential services like education. Many parents now question how future exams can be better protected so children can focus on studying instead of enduring long waits and late-night tensions.

While WAEC works to fix these challenges, the incident serves as a reminder of the need for stronger support for examination bodies. Better roads, enhanced security for logistics teams, and improved coordination could help prevent such disruptions.

Students deserve a smooth, secure environment to showcase their knowledge. As the exams continue, many hope these unfortunate setbacks will be the last, allowing the rest of the WASSCE to run without further hitches.