WAEC under threat as school kidnappings shake 1.9 million candidates nationwide

…Parents and teachers are sounding the alarm about the safety of exam centres

…. NUT warns that trauma can derail students’ academic performance

Nigeria’s ongoing West African Senior School Certificate 2026 (WASSCE) exam, conducted by the West African Examinations Council, has come under renewed tension as escalating school kidnappings in some parts of the country raise fears for the safety, concentration and performance of more than 1.9 million candidates.

The exams, which began on April 21 and are due to end on June 19, are being taken at more than 24,000 centers nationwide amid growing anxiety triggered by the unsolved mass abductions of pupils and teachers in Borno and Oyo states.

Stakeholders, including teachers, parents and student leaders, say the persistent attacks are already casting a psychological shadow on candidates, many of whom struggle to concentrate amid fears that schools could be targeted at any moment.

The crisis is compounded by two serious unsolved kidnappings involving dozens of schoolchildren and educators, raising new questions about the safety of learning environments during national exams.

In Borno State, suspected terrorists linked to Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province reportedly attacked the Government Secondary School and nearby primary schools in Mussa community, Askira/Uba Local Government Area, on May 16, abducting 42 pupils and students.

The victims spent approximately 19 days in captivity, with no official rescue recorded.

Similarly, in Oyo State, gunmen targeted several schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, including Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele and two primary schools, abducting 39 pupils and seven teachers. The 46 victims remained in captivity for approximately 20 days without confirmation of release or rescue.

The attacks have intensified concerns among education stakeholders that insecurity could not only disrupt exam logistics but also inflict long-term psychological trauma on students across the country.

Speaking on the development, the Principal Secretary of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Ogun State chapter, Samson Oyelere, warned that the fear generated by repeated attacks on schools could significantly affect the performance of candidates.

“Incessant fear, trauma and displacement directly kill attention and concentration,” he said, adding that students who write WAEC under such conditions will likely underperform due to anxiety, insomnia and disrupted preparation.

Oyelere also warned that continued abductions could trigger mass school dropouts and exacerbate inequality in access to education, particularly in rural communities.

He called for urgent action from the government, including deploying trained security personnel to schools, establishing rapid response units and providing psychosocial support to affected students.

Also, the National President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Akinteye Afeez, said while examinations should continue, security needs to be urgently strengthened to protect candidates.

“We believe the WAEC exams should still go ahead, but governments need to ensure adequate security around schools,” he said.

Afeez warned that persistent attacks on schools could erode public trust in the education system and push more students into safer urban centers, widening educational inequality.

He also disclosed that NANS officials were engaging Oyo State authorities to secure the release of the abducted students.

NANS National Treasurer, Comrade Idris Asmau, expressed concern over the safety of candidates currently being examined, calling the situation unacceptable.

“There is a need for adequate security and the government should prioritize the lives of these children before exams,” he said.

Asmau warned that prolonged insecurity could weaken the teaching profession, as teachers may begin to avoid high-risk areas or seek opportunities abroad.

Parents also expressed concern. Mrs Theresa Christopher, whose daughter is writing the exam in Benue State, said the psychological burden of insecurity affects even students living in relatively safe areas.

“Even students not directly affected will still be afraid. This pressure alone can affect their performance,” he said.

NANS Senate President, Comrade Moses Ibeabuchi, echoed similar concerns, warning that widespread insecurity creates a climate of fear that follows candidates into examination halls.

“When students know that schools are being attacked across the country, they become restless. That fear alone can affect performance,” he said.

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