NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIAN STUDENTS.
PRESS RELEASE
OUTCRY OVER THE PROLONGED STAY OF WASSCE CANDIDATES AT EXAMINATION CENTRES IN THE SOUTHWEST AMID SECURITY CONCERNS
I write as the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), vested with the mandate to represent and protect the collective interests, welfare, and aspirations of Nigerian students across the country and in the diaspora. It is in furtherance of this responsibility that I address the recent disturbing developments surrounding the treatment of candidates sitting for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in parts of the Southwest region of Nigeria.
The reports that candidates were compelled to remain at their examination centres until late into the night on Thursday, June 4, 2026, devoid of sufficient consideration for their welfare, safety, and psychological well-being, are deeply troubling and unacceptable. Such an occurrence represents an affront to the dignity of students and raises serious concerns about the planning, coordination, and execution of a national examination of such significance.
It is both appalling and condemnable that young Nigerians, who had already endured months of preparation and the mental rigours associated with external examinations, were subjected to unnecessary hardship by being kept at examination centres far beyond reasonable hours. No examination procedure, administrative challenge, or operational deficiency should come at the expense of the safety and fundamental rights of students.
The right to personal liberty, security, and human dignity is guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Examination regulations and protocols must operate within the bounds of these constitutional protections. Under no circumstance should students be placed in situations that expose them to avoidable risks or deny them the opportunity to return to their homes and families at a reasonable and safe hour.
What makes this development even more alarming is the fact that it occurred within the Southwest region, a zone that has, in recent times, witnessed incidents of kidnapping, crimes, and other security challenges. Against this backdrop, it was grossly irresponsible for examination authorities to permit circumstances that left students stranded or lingering at examination centres late into the night, thereby exposing them to potential danger.
Consequently, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) demands that the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), alongside the government act decisively, take responsibility and forestall future occurrences.
Furthermore, we call for a thorough review of examination logistics and contingency measures to guarantee that the welfare, security, and rights of students remain paramount in all future examinations. Students must never become victims of administrative failures, poor planning, or institutional negligence.
NANS remains committed to defending the rights, dignity, and safety of every Nigerian student and will continue to monitor developments closely while engaging relevant authorities to ensure accountability and lasting corrective measures.
Thank you.
Yours in service,
Dist. Comr. Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, GCNS
President, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS)
My fellow Nigerians,
You will recall that I cancelled my trip to the G20 summit in South Africa to enable me coordinate the security efforts at home.
Thanks to the efforts of our security forces over the last few days, all the 38 worshippers abducted in Eruku, Kwara State have been rescued.
I am equally happy that 51 out of the missing students of the Catholic School in Niger State, have been recovered.
I am closely monitoring the security situation nationwide and receiving continuous updates from the frontline.
Let me be clear: I will not relent. Every Nigerian, in every state, has the right to safety — and under my watch, we will secure this nation and protect our people.
~ Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President & Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
Federal Republic of Nigeria