WAEC says delays in the 2026 WASSCE were caused by a fatal accident that killed three officials transporting exam materials

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has attributed delays experienced in parts of the ongoing 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) to a fatal road accident involving its officials.

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The examination body confirmed in a statement on Monday that three of its staff members died in a crash along the Gombe–Yola highway while conveying sensitive examination materials across states.

The statement was issued by WAEC’s Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, following widespread complaints over late commencement of examination papers in several centres nationwide.

Candidates in states including Oyo, Lagos and Osun had last week sat for subjects such as Mathematics and Agricultural Science late into the evening due to disruptions in the distribution of question papers and answer booklets.

WAEC explained that the accident significantly affected its logistics chain, leading to delays in the delivery of examination materials to affected centres.

“The delay was caused by a combination of logistical and operational challenges, notably the direct result of a devastating motor accident… which tragically claimed the lives of three of our dedicated personnel,” the council stated.

The body further noted that other operational issues, including late registration of candidates and finalisation of examination arrangements, also contributed to disruptions in the schedule.

WAEC added that security concerns and protests linked to the abduction of schoolchildren in some areas further hindered the movement of examination materials.

Despite the setbacks, the council said its staff activated emergency measures to ensure that the examinations were still conducted in affected locations.

It assured the public that steps have been taken to prevent a recurrence and to ensure that the remaining papers in the 2026 WASSCE proceed without further disruption.

“The council hereby assures the general public that it has put modalities in place to ensure that the rest of the examination is conducted hitch-free,” it said.

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The 2026 WASSCE for school candidates began on April 21 and is scheduled to end on June 19.