The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Nigeria has firmly refuted circulating rumours claiming that it has cancelled the English Language examination held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
In a statement released on Tuesday and signed by the acting Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, the council clarified that the false press release currently in circulation did not originate from WAEC.
The examination body further confirmed that the English Language paper has not been cancelled, assuring the public that if a new date becomes necessary, it will be officially communicated in due course.
The controversy surrounding the English Language paper stems from an incident during the administration of the examination, which was marred by allegations of a question paper leak.
According to reports, WAEC had to urgently respond by replacing the compromised set of questions with a new version, in an attempt to preserve the integrity of the examination process.
As a result of this emergency response, the examination continued until late in the evening, with many students reportedly concluding the test around 7:00 PM.
This extended examination period led to several logistical and environmental challenges across various exam centres. Some students were forced to write the exam under extremely difficult conditions.
Images and reports circulating on social media revealed that in some locations, candidates had to rely on candles and torchlights due to inadequate lighting, further compounding the stress of an already tense situation.
In response to the events surrounding the English Language examination, the Katsina State Government has formally expressed its dissatisfaction and called for the cancellation of the paper.
IREPORT247NEWS reports that the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education in Katsina State, Hajiya Zainab Musa-Musawa, announced the state’s position during an official visit to the WAEC office in Katsina. She cited a petition filed by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, which was signed by the Permanent Secretary, Hajiya Ummukhair Ahmed.
Musa-Musawa appealed to all stakeholders, including schools, parents, and communities, to remain calm and exercise patience while awaiting the official response to the petition. She emphasized the importance of a fair and transparent process and assured the public that the matter is being taken seriously by the state government and the relevant examination authorities.