Disaster Strikes 2025 WASSCE As WAEC Exam Hall Collapses, Exam Interrupted [Exclusive Photos]

A large group of students taking the ongoing 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) at Government Secondary School, Namnai, in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State, narrowly escaped disaster on Wednesday evening when their classrooms collapsed following a heavy rainstorm accompanied by strong winds.

The students, alongside their teachers, corps members, and external supervisors, were reportedly trapped inside the collapsed buildings and had to be rescued by swift-acting local residents.

Several students of both genders sustained varying injuries, with some reportedly suffering limb fractures. Those affected are currently receiving treatment at a nearby Primary Healthcare Centre.

Alhaji DanAzumi Lauris, a local resident who spoke with The PUNCH via phone, revealed that the incident occurred around 6 p.m., shortly after the second group of students had begun their exams.

“The second batch of students who were still writing were the ones trapped. The first group had already finished and left. The rain came suddenly with powerful winds, and the old classrooms couldn’t hold up,” he explained.

Lauris added that the windstorm not only caused the school buildings to collapse but also damaged several homes in the community.

Meanwhile, students in Jalingo, the state capital, were also affected by the heavy rainfall, with some candidates forced to remain at their exam centers until after 1 a.m. because the intense rain made it impossible to return home earlier.

Furthermore, the day’s WAEC exam papers were delayed, causing exams in some centers to be postponed until 8 p.m. when the papers finally arrived.

In a related development, WAEC has apologized for the delay in administering the English Language Paper 2 during the 2025 WASSCE.

Earlier reports from Naija News revealed that students in parts of Benue State had to write the objective section of their English exam under challenging conditions on Wednesday night, using phone torches and lanterns due to a late arrival of exam papers.

These candidates had completed the essay part but were left waiting for hours before the exam officers brought the objective section.

The delay extended late into the night, with some centers finishing as late as 11 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28.

In a statement released Thursday morning by Moyosola Adesina, Acting Head of WAEC’s Public Affairs Department, the council acknowledged encountering difficulties.

“While upholding the integrity and security of our examination, we faced significant challenges, primarily aimed at preventing any paper leakage,” the statement read.

“We understand the importance of conducting exams on time and the impact delays have on candidates, schools, and parents, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused,” WAEC added.

The council cited logistical obstacles, security concerns, and socio-cultural factors as key issues that disrupted the smooth running of the exams despite their best efforts.