Parents across Osun State have voiced their outrage and concern after students were forced to write their West African Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) English Language paper late into the night on Wednesday.

According to reports, the unusual night examination was caused by logistical issues and the late arrival of examination materials, affecting senior secondary students in Osun and other parts of Nigeria.

Many parents expressed serious security concerns about their children being out late at night. Julius Olufemi, a parent of twins affected by the situation, shared his experience: "My twins were scheduled to write the English Language part of the exam on Wednesday. They have been in the school since the allotted time but to my surprise when I came back from my business place, they were not at home."

Olufemi added that upon contacting the school proprietress, he was shocked to learn that the examination had not yet taken place. "This has never happened before. This is the first time and I pray it is the last of it," he said.

Another parent, Felicia Orji, reported receiving a call from her son just after 9 pm informing her that he was just leaving his examination center. "I was surprised since I was not around. I travelled but the call I received from my son shocked me," she said, adding that she remained on the phone with him until he arrived home safely.

Ogunleye Jumoke described how her daughter initially returned home after going to school, only to be called back later when the examination materials finally arrived. "The school is a bit far and you can imagine the apprehension her father and I went through," she said. Jumoke accompanied her daughter to the school and waited until the examination was completed.

Calls for Accountability

Adebayo Oderinu, an Osogbo-based journalist, called on the examination body to be accountable and identify those responsible for the situation. "First it was JAMB, now WAEC. Some people need to pay for this irresponsibility," he stated.

Parent Oluwakemi Damilare urged Nigerians to remember the students in their prayers: "You are about to sleep. Don't forget to remember our children who are still in the classroom right now writing WAEC exam in your prayers."

Reports indicate that the examination began around 8 pm in most schools in Osun State, with many parents observed waiting anxiously at school entrances for their children.

As of the time of filing this report, the West African Examination Council (WAEC) had not issued any official statement regarding the incident.

Parents have collectively urged WAEC to prevent such occurrences in the future, describing the situation as both discouraging to parents and demoralizing to students.