By MILLICENT IFEANYICHUKWU

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has attributed delayed conduct of Mathematics and Agricultural Science examinations in some centres to logistical and operational challenges.

It blamed an accident, which claimed lives of its personnel for the delay.

WAEC, the organiser of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) made the explanation in a statement on Monday.

The statement was signed by the council’s Head of Public Affairs Department, Mrs Moyosola Adesina.

“The delay resulted partly from a devastating motor accident which claimed three personnel transporting sensitive examination materials interstate, severely disrupting our planned distribution schedule,” it said.

It described the incident as heartbreaking, saying that emergency contingency measures were activated promptly to ensure examinations were eventually conducted in the affected centres.

“While mourning our fallen colleagues, dedicated staff worked tirelessly around the clock, deploying emergency arrangements that enabled conduct of examinations across the affected areas,” it said.

WAEC also attributed the delay to issues surrounding finalisation of examination modalities and late registration of candidates which, it said, affected preparation of materials.

The examination body also said that security challenges and protests against abduction of schoolchildren disrupted movements and affected timely delivery of examination materials.

It gave the assurance that modalities had been strengthened to guarantee smooth conduct of the remaining papers.

“The council has put effective measures in place to ensure remaining examinations proceed smoothly as demonstrated by improved conduct recorded on June 5.”

The council expressed gratitude for support from education ministries, security agencies and other stakeholders, describing them as dependable partners in service delivery.

WAEC reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining academic credibility, examination integrity and administrative excellence.

(NAN)

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