WAEC 2024: Outrage as Nigerian Students Write English Exam in Darkness Using Torchlights and Candles

 

Nigerians have flooded social media with outrage and disbelief following the chaotic conduct of the 2024 West African Examination Council (WAEC) English Language exam. In an event many have described as “embarrassing” and “disgraceful,” students across various states were reportedly forced to write their English Language Papers II and III under extremely poor conditions — in the dark, using torchlights and candles to see their question and answer sheets.

This shocking development has triggered a nationwide debate about the integrity of Nigeria’s education system, WAEC’s preparedness, and the welfare of students sitting for one of the most important exams in their academic journey.

What Really Happened?

According to multiple eyewitness accounts and viral videos circulating on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram, candidates had earlier written the Oral English paper (Paper I) earlier in the day. The next set of exams, English Language Paper II (Objective) and Paper III (Theory), were scheduled to start at 4:00 PM.

However, the reality turned out to be completely different.

Many students across states — particularly in Osun State — were kept waiting for hours without any clear explanation. Instead of beginning the exams at the scheduled 4:00 PM, candidates were left idle and confused until WAEC officials eventually delivered the question papers at 7:00 PM, three hours later than planned.

To make matters worse, many schools did not have functional generators or solar lights, and the sun had already set. As a result, students were forced to write the crucial WAEC English exam in total darkness, using mobile phone flashlights, torchlights, and even candles brought by concerned parents and teachers.

“We Used Phone Torchlight to Illuminate the Hall”

A teacher from Osun State, Mrs. Jumoke Adedokun, confirmed the troubling situation:

“It is a frustrating occurrence today, we never planned that we would stay that late but officials of WAEC insisted that the exam should be held today. We used phone torchlight to illuminate the hall today. There may be mass failure of the subject in Osun state due to this.

Many parents have been calling us about the whereabouts of their children, we had to explain to them about the change. We started the exam at 7pm and ended by 9pm.”

Mrs. Adedokun’s statement highlights not just the poor planning on WAEC’s part, but also the immense emotional and physical stress experienced by both students and teachers.

Allegations of Examination Leak Led to Delay

While WAEC has yet to make an official statement addressing the chaos, an unnamed examiner in Osun State disclosed that the delay was allegedly due to a leak of the examination paper.

“We discovered that the students have seen the question, hence we need to change it. We hurriedly changed the paper but it was late, and that is what caused them to start the examination late,” the examiner said.

If true, this claim points to a serious breach in examination security, further undermining public trust in the integrity of WAEC exams. The fact that officials were forced to reprint and redistribute new question papers at the last minute suggests that WAEC’s internal systems for preventing exam malpractice may be weak and in urgent need of reform.

Parents Left in the Dark — Literally

In addition to the delay, the lack of communication from WAEC created panic among parents and guardians. Many of them had expected their children to return home by evening, only to discover that they were still in school, waiting for an exam that had not yet started.

Videos shared online showed worried parents arriving at school gates at night, carrying food packs and water for their children who had been on school premises since morning. These visuals have become a symbol of the dysfunction that often plagues Nigeria’s educational sector.

Social Media Erupts in Protest

As news of the late-night exam spread, Nigerians on social media wasted no time in expressing their anger and disappointment. The hashtag #WAEC2024 trended on Twitter, with thousands of users criticizing the exam body’s handling of such an important test.

Some called for the rescheduling of the paper, while others demanded that WAEC issue an official apology and take responsibility for what many see as a national embarrassment.

A user wrote:

“How can WAEC make children write an important paper like English Language at night? Do they think these are robots? This is disgraceful. Heads should roll.”

Another added:

“These children wrote exams by candlelight. Let that sink in. This is 2024 and this is happening in Nigeria. WAEC should be ashamed.”

Potential Consequences: Mass Failure and Legal Action?

Many education stakeholders fear that the situation could lead to mass failure in English Language — a core subject required for university admission.

As Mrs. Adedokun pointed out, many students may have been too tired, hungry, and distracted to focus properly during the 7 PM to 9 PM session. “Some of them had been in school since 7 AM. By the time the exam started, they were exhausted,” she said.

There are growing calls for student advocacy groups and civil society organizations to take legal action against WAEC, especially if it turns out that the paper was indeed leaked and then poorly managed.

Is WAEC Failing Nigerian Students?

This incident has added to a growing list of criticisms facing WAEC in recent years. From leaked papers and late results to allegations of corruption and poor exam logistics, many now question whether WAEC — once respected across West Africa — is still fit to conduct high-stakes national exams.

Educational experts argue that if WAEC cannot ensure the timely and professional delivery of exams, the credibility of its certificates may continue to decline, not just in Nigeria but across the region.

Final Thoughts: A Wake-Up Call for Nigeria’s Education Sector

The 2024 WAEC English exam debacle is not just an isolated incident — it is a symptom of a deeper problem within Nigeria’s educational system. From underfunded schools to poor infrastructure and lack of accountability, the country’s education sector is in desperate need of reform.

While students and teachers are often at the receiving end of these failures, events like this serve as a powerful reminder that urgent intervention is needed at the highest levels.

Until WAEC and other exam bodies are held accountable and made to operate with professionalism, transparency, and respect for students’ rights, similar episodes may continue to tarnish the future of young Nigerians.