The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has attributed the delay in conducting mathematics and agricultural science examinations at some centres to logistics and operational challenges.

It blamed an accident that claimed the 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 signed by the council’s head of the public affairs department, Moyosola Adesina, on Monday.

“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, noting that emergency contingency measures were promptly activated to ensure examinations were eventually conducted at the affected centres.

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

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

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

It gave the assurance that modalities had been strengthened to ensure the 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,” it said.

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

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

(NAN)