Former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has strongly condemned the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) over what he described as a "national disgrace," after students were forced to write their Senior School Certificate Examination in dark and unsuitable conditions across Nigeria.

In a statement posted on his official Facebook handle, Atiku expressed dismay that the incident occurred just a day after International Children's Day celebrations, calling it "a damning indictment of our systemic failure to uphold the most basic standards in public education."

"It is unacceptable, unjustifiable, and utterly indefensible that in 2025, our children are forced to write critical national exams in pitch darkness like second-class citizens," the former Vice President stated.

Call for Immediate Action

Atiku demanded that the affected examination papers be retaken at all compromised centers, insisting that "anything less would be a grave injustice to the students whose futures hang in the balance."

He emphasized that the incident should not be swept under the carpet but should serve as a wake-up call for the nation. "This incident must awaken our national conscience. It must compel immediate and sustained investment in critical social infrastructure, with education as the foremost priority — not in rhetoric but in tangible action," he added.

The former presidential candidate placed the blame squarely on WAEC authorities, describing their handling of the situation as a "glaring failure" and "gross institutional negligence."

Wider Concerns

This incident comes amid reports of other examination-related issues across the country. According to related reports, students in Taraba State narrowly escaped death when a school building collapsed during WAEC examinations, while WAEC has been summoned by the House of Representatives to explain the circumstances that led to students writing examinations late into the night.

WAEC had earlier issued a statement explaining the delays that led to the late-night examinations, though specific details of their explanation were not included in the original report.

Atiku concluded his statement by advising against a repeat of the incident to prevent what he termed "another incident of national failure," urging authorities to take necessary measures to ensure students can take their examinations under proper conditions.