Former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has sharply criticized the deplorable conditions under which students across the country sat for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), describing the situation as “nothing short of a national disgrace.”
In a statement released on his official Facebook page, Atiku expressed deep concern over reports of students forced to write their exams in near-total darkness and unfit environments, barely 24 hours after Nigeria joined the world in commemorating International Children’s Day.
“This is not merely an unfortunate incident — it is a damning indictment of our systemic failure to uphold the most basic standards in public education,” Atiku wrote. “It is unacceptable, unjustifiable, and utterly indefensible that in 2025, our children are forced to write critical national exams in pitch darkness like second-class citizens.”
The former Vice President did not mince words in condemning what he described as gross institutional negligence by the examination authorities. He stated that those responsible must be held accountable, and the issue should not be ignored or downplayed.
“This incident must awaken our national conscience,” he said. “It must compel immediate and sustained investment in critical social infrastructure, with education as the foremost priority — not in rhetoric but in tangible action.”
Atiku went further to demand a retake of the affected examination papers in all compromised centres, insisting that anything less would be a “grave injustice” to the students involved.
“In this case, it is glaringly evident that the examination body has failed spectacularly in its duty. It would be utterly unjust to allow students to suffer the consequences of such gross institutional negligence,” he declared.
He also warned against a recurrence, urging authorities to ensure this “national failure” is never repeated.
Atiku’s comments have reignited conversations around the persistent decay in Nigeria’s public education infrastructure and the urgent need for reforms that prioritize students’ welfare and dignity.
