HURIWA Condemns WAEC Night Examinations, Demands Probe into Logistical Failures

The (HURIWA) has condemned the conduct of late-night examinations during the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), describing the development as a violation of students’ rights and a threat to their safety.

In a statement issued on Friday by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the rights group expressed concern over reports that candidates in several examination centres across the country were compelled to sit for examination papers late into the night due to delays and logistical challenges allegedly associated with the conduct of the examinations.

According to HURIWA, reports indicating that students remained in schools until 10 p.m. and beyond to write examination papers raise serious concerns about the welfare, safety and well-being of thousands of candidates, many of whom are minors.

The group noted that similar incidents had occurred during previous examination exercises and questioned whether adequate lessons had been learned or corrective measures implemented by the examination authorities.

“It is unacceptable that thousands of young Nigerians are subjected to avoidable physical stress, psychological trauma, insecurity and health risks because of institutional inefficiency,” the statement said.

HURIWA argued that the right to education must be balanced with the protection of other fundamental rights, including the rights to dignity, security and personal safety.

The association warned that compelling students to remain at examination centres for several hours before writing papers could negatively affect their concentration, mental alertness and overall performance.

The group also raised concerns about the security implications of late-night examinations, noting that Nigeria continues to face security challenges, including kidnapping and violent crime in several parts of the country.

“It is irresponsible and reckless for any institution to create conditions that compel students, teachers and parents to travel late at night after examination exercises,” the statement added.

HURIWA called on the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to provide a comprehensive public explanation for the recurring delays and outline measures being put in place to prevent a recurrence.

The rights organization also urged the Federal Ministry of Education to institute an independent inquiry into the repeated logistical challenges associated with the conduct of WASSCE examinations in Nigeria.

According to the group, officials found to be negligent or responsible for the lapses should face appropriate sanctions.

HURIWA further called on the National Assembly Committees on Education to summon relevant WAEC officials to explain the circumstances surrounding the delays and the measures being taken to safeguard candidates.

The association stressed that the future of Nigerian children should not be compromised by administrative inefficiency, insisting that educational institutions have a responsibility to protect students and provide conducive conditions for learning and assessment.

The statement concluded by affirming HURIWA’s support for parents, teachers and students seeking accountability and reforms in the conduct of public examinations across the country.