Nocturnal Sitting for WASSCE, National Disgrace – NAPS

By Friday Obande

Following reports of students writing West African Senior School Certificate Examination, (WASSCE) at night in Asaba Delta state capital, the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has condemned such arrangement by the examination body. The association described it as a national disgrace, which has exposed the incompetence of the umpire.

President of NAPS, Comrade Eshiofune Paul Oghayan, bemoaned the incident, which took place on in the dark hours of May 22, 2025 at Unity Modern School in Asaba.

The association noted in a statement that, “On the evening of 22nd May 2025, at Unity Modern School, Asaba, Delta State, the situation descended into both literal and metaphorical darkness when a paper scheduled for 2:00 p.m. was scandalously delayed until 6:00 p.m., forcing students to write their WAEC examination late into the night, illuminated only by the flicker of torchlights.”

“This grotesque distortion of protocol is not merely a logistical lapse. It is a national disgrace, a moral calamity, and a betrayal of the promise we owe our youth.”

According to them, “a supposed moment of academic dignity was turned into a nightmare, “planting seeds in the dead of night and expecting them to flourish, the system has once again demanded excellence from students while depriving them of the environment necessary to succeed. This is not just a failure. It is sabotage.”

Comrade Oghayan further stated, “As President of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), I speak with the thunderous voice of over 28.1 million Nigerian polytechnic students.

“This is not a matter we shall treat lightly. No—we refuse to remain silent while the destinies of Nigerian students are jeopardised by carelessness, insensitivity, and institutional decay.

“In an era where insecurity looms across the country, what rationale exists for compelling students—mostly minors—to remain in examination centres late into the night?

“WAEC must be held accountable. Dr Amos Josiah Dangut, the Head of WAEC Nigeria, must explain to Nigerians why this academic atrocity was allowed to occur under his watch. His continued silence speaks volumes and reeks of disregard.”

The statement emphasized that the issue transcends Asaba.

“If it can happen there, it can happen in Enugu, Sokoto, Jos, Ibadan, or Yenagoa. It signals a collapsing standard. And when injustice becomes the norm, resistance becomes the mandate of the people.

‘The child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth. “WAEC, beware. Our students are not kindling wood!”

NAPS warned that if any of the affected students fails the paper due to the “abnormal and inhumane conditions” under which it was written, the association would not hesitate to mobilize a nationwide protest.
Thus, we demand an immediate and public explanation from Dr. Amos Josiah Dangut, Head of WAEC, Nigeria to as well conduct full investigation by the Federal Ministry of Education into the circumstances surrounding the breakdown,” he added.