By Etop Ekanem

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has expressed grave concern over the recently conducted West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE), specifically English Language paper, which has been widely reported to have been compromised and poorly administered with disturbing instances of candidates sitting for their exams late into the night.

In light of the public acknowledgment by the Head of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Dr. Amos Dangut, that the late-night administration of some WASSCE papers did not align with the council’s standards, NANS has condemned in the strongest terms the uncoordinated and insecure conditions under which such a pivotal examination was conducted.

According to a statement by Comrade Oladimeji Uthman, Executive Director, Administration and Planning, NANS, National Headquarters, “NANS views this development as a direct threat to the integrity of Nigeria’s education system and a potential disservice to millions of hardworking students across the country. Accordingly, we make the following demands:

“NANS strongly insists that the English Language paper already conducted must be cancelled and call for a retake, as it clearly violates standard examination policies and procedures. The conduct and circumstances surrounding the paper lack the credibility expected of such a critical examination, and thus cannot be relied upon for valid assessment.

“It would be a national embarrassment and a direct insult to the examination body and the country at large if, after all the irregularities, the outcome of the English Language exam results in widespread failure. WAEC must refrain from any actions that undermine its credibility or that of Nigeria’s education system. Policy abuse, carelessness, and disregard for established procedures must not be tolerated.

“WAEC must improve its internal processes to ensure the confidentiality and security of examination materials. The leakage and circulation of English Language questions prior to the exam must never be allowed to repeat itself. Such lapses expose the entire examination to suspicion and ridicule.

“We call upon the Minister of Education and the Federal Government to launch an immediate investigation into the conduct of the examination and to mandate a full retake of the English Language paper. This is imperative not only to protect academic integrity but to restore public confidence and uphold justice for diligent students nationwide.

“The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) stands unwavering in defense of academic excellence, transparency, and students welfare. We will not fold our arms while the future of our students and our nation is put at risk by negligence and malpractice.

“WAEC must take decisive action to address these irregularities and implement concrete reforms to prevent such occurrences in the future. Failure to address these demands may lead to a nationwide student mobilization against this educational injustice.”