The West African Examinations Council has abandoned its recently introduced 24-hour examination material distribution policy and returned to its traditional 48-hour delivery schedule following widespread disruptions during the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination.
The decision comes amid growing criticism from stakeholders over persistent delays in the conduct of examinations across the country and the tragic death of three WAEC officials in a road accident while transporting examination materials in Gombe State.
The 24-hour distribution policy was reportedly introduced as part of efforts to tighten security around examination materials and prevent question paper leakages. However, the arrangement triggered logistical challenges that affected the timely delivery of papers to several examination centres nationwide.
As a result, thousands of candidates were forced to sit for some papers late in the evening, with reports indicating that subjects including Mathematics and Agricultural Science practical were written under poor lighting conditions in some centres.
The development sparked outrage among parents, school administrators and education stakeholders, many of whom questioned the impact of the delays on candidates' performance and well-being.
Sources familiar with WAEC operations disclosed that the council traditionally operates a 48-hour distribution window between the printing of examination papers and their delivery to secure custody centres across the country.
The longer timeframe, according to the sources, allows officials to navigate security concerns, long travel distances and poor road conditions without undue pressure.
However, following concerns over examination malpractice and question paper leaks recorded in previous examinations, the management reportedly shortened the distribution timeline to 24 hours in a bid to strengthen security.
The strategy, however, was said to have placed enormous pressure on personnel responsible for transporting examination materials, with many officials reportedly travelling long distances under tight deadlines.
Insiders noted that the compressed schedule proved difficult to sustain, particularly given the state of road infrastructure and security challenges in parts of the country.
Following the operational difficulties, WAEC has reportedly reverted to the 48-hour system to ensure the smooth conduct of the remaining examinations.
The policy reversal comes days after a fatal accident claimed the lives of three WAEC officials identified as Eleshin Dennis Olayinka, Dan-Malam Add'ua Muhammed and Yusuf Umar Gwamna.
The officials were said to be transporting examination materials along the Gombe-Yola Road when their vehicle was involved in a head-on collision with a trailer in Billiri Local Government Area of Gombe State.
All three officials reportedly died at the scene.
The incident was said to have affected the morale of examination distribution teams, with some workers expressing concerns about the risks associated with the assignment.
In an internal condolence message, WAEC's Head of National Office, Dr Amos Dangut, described the deaths as a painful loss to the council.
He said the incident underscored the sacrifices and dangers often faced by officials in the discharge of their duties, while praying for strength and comfort for the families of the deceased.
Education stakeholders have since called for a comprehensive review of WAEC's logistics and security arrangements, urging the council to strike a balance between protecting examination integrity and ensuring the safety of its personnel and candidates.
They argued that while efforts to prevent examination malpractice remain important, such measures should not compromise the welfare of workers or disrupt the examination process for students.
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