WAEC Candidates in Asaba Forced to Write Exam at Night Using Torchlights

Students sitting for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) exams, including those from Unity Modern School in Asaba, Delta State, have decried the appalling conditions under which they were forced to write their papers — in the dark, using torchlights.

This disturbing development was brought to public attention through a video posted on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). In the footage, a distraught woman narrated the ordeal, stating that although the exam was scheduled for 2 p.m., the papers did not arrive until 6 p.m., well after sundown.

“We’re using torchlight to write WAEC, it’s not okay,” she said. “The paper was supposed to start by 2 p.m., but they brought it by 6. There’s no light in Unity Modern School Asaba — this is the capital of a state, not a village.”

She added, “Then they’ll say Tinubu is the problem. This is wickedness — writing exams at night.”

The woman confirmed the school’s name and said the students were still struggling to complete the exam under poor conditions due to the delay. The video quickly went viral, triggering a wave of outrage across social media as Nigerians reacted to the shocking footage.

Here are some of the public reactions:

• @Iamkrebkira: “How are they expected to pass like this 😭 Nigeria’s education system has failed us — and now it’s failing the next generation.”
• @Marshalforx: “If you’re a Nigerian living in Nigeria and you’re on social media posting pictures and silly videos, you haven’t suffered enough. Your focus should be on finding real solutions.”
• @DangoteOfData: “I’m certain some of those kids haven’t eaten all day. Maybe once, at best.”
• @Leo_z85: “Parents who let their kids write exams in the dark are enabling this dysfunction. Some people shouldn’t be parents.”
• @IconGerrard: “Tinubu and his APC cronies don’t care — they’re already campaigning for 2027 while we’re still stuck in 2025.”
• @DJayshapzy: “Back in the day we used candles for exams, but Nigeria has regressed. Now we at least have platforms to cry out. Leaders only care about power, not people.”
• @ChinweOfoha2: “There’s no new low this country hasn’t reached under these corrupt leaders.”