Growing insecurity and unresolved school abductions have heightened fears among the over 1.9 million candidates sitting the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), with stakeholders warning of possible impacts on students’ performance and wellbeing.
The concerns follow recent abductions in Borno and Oyo states, where dozens of pupils, students and teachers remain in captivity weeks after being kidnapped from their schools.
Psychologists, teachers, parents and student leaders say the atmosphere of fear could undermine concentration, confidence and academic performance.
Education stakeholders also criticized the absence of visible security around examination centres and raised concerns over repeated delays in WAEC examinations, which in some cases reportedly stretched into the night.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) urged federal and state governments to strengthen security in schools, rescue abducted victims and restore confidence in the education system.
Parents and civil society groups warned that persistent attacks on schools could worsen school dropouts, discourage teaching and learning, and threaten the future of education in the country.
Meanwhile, WAEC has faced criticism over logistical lapses that delayed the commencement of some papers across several states, exposing candidates to additional stress and security risks.
Oyo State authorities called on the examination body to take proactive measures to prevent a recurrence.
