By Femi Anamelechi
An organization known as Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed strong concern and condemnation over reports that candidates writing the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) are being forced to take papers late at night due to logistical and administrative failures by the West African Examinations Council (West African Examinations Council).The group pointed out that, students in several examination centres across Nigeria were made to remain in schools until around 10 p.m. or later before sitting for their papers. It described the situation as a serious violation of children’s rights and welfare.HURIWA recalled that similar incidents have occurred in past examination periods, raising concerns that little or no corrective action has been taken by the examination authority.The organisation described it as unacceptable that thousands of students—many of them minors—are exposed to avoidable physical strain, emotional stress, insecurity risks, and possible health complications due to institutional inefficiencies.The organization further stressed that the right to education is linked with other fundamental rights, including dignity, safety, and protection from harm. Forcing students to write examinations at night, often after long hours of waiting, exposes them to danger and undermines the credibility of the examination process.The group also raised serious concerns about security, noting that Nigeria is currently facing widespread insecurity, including kidnapping and violent crime. It warned that it is reckless for any institution to require students, teachers, and parents to travel late at night after examinations.HURIWA added that prolonged waiting periods and mental fatigue negatively affect students’ concentration and performance.
It argued that candidates who are prepared to write exams earlier in the day cannot be expected to perform optimally after long delays.The organisation called on WAEC to give a clear public explanation for the repeated delays and to outline concrete steps being taken to prevent future occurrences.It also urged the Federal Ministry of Education to launch an independent investigation into the recurring logistical problems associated with WASSCE examinations in Nigeria, adding that appropriate sanctions should follow any findings of negligence or incompetence.HURIWA further called on National Assembly education committees to summon WAEC officials to explain why such disruptions continue to affect students’ safety and academic performance.It concluded that the future of Nigerian students must not be jeopardized by administrative inefficiency, stressing that educational bodies exist to protect and support learners, not expose them to harm.The group reaffirmed its solidarity with parents, teachers, and students calling for accountability and urgent reforms in the conduct of public examinations.
