WAEC 2026 security concerns Nigeria grow as school abductions raise fears over safety and performance of over 1.9 million candidates

Growing insecurity and renewed school abductions across parts of Nigeria are raising serious concerns over the conduct and outcomes of the ongoing 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), as stakeholders warn that fear and trauma could undermine performance for more than 1.9 million candidates nationwide.

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The WAEC 2026 security concerns Nigeria have intensified amid reports of unresolved kidnappings in Borno and Oyo states, where dozens of pupils, students and teachers remain in captivity more than 20 days after separate attacks.

The examination, which began on April 21 with practical sessions and is scheduled to end on June 19, is being conducted across more than 24,000 centres nationwide.

In Borno State, suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP militants attacked Government Day Secondary School and nearby primary schools in Mussa, Askira/Uba Local Government Area on May 16, abducting 42 pupils and students. Authorities say none of the victims have been rescued, prompting the state government to shut and relocate the affected school.

In a separate incident in Oyo State on May 15, armed gunmen stormed Community High School in Ahoro-Esinele, Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area, abducting 39 pupils and students alongside seven teachers. No official rescue has been reported.

Education stakeholders say the repeated attacks are creating widespread anxiety among students, teachers and parents, with fears that insecurity could significantly disrupt learning outcomes during the critical examination period.

Principal Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Teachers in Ogun State, Samson Oyelere, said the psychological impact of the attacks could severely affect students’ concentration and performance.

He warned that fear, trauma and disrupted study routines could lead to poor results, while also increasing the risk of school dropouts, particularly among girls in vulnerable communities.

Oyelere called for urgent government intervention, including deployment of trained security personnel to schools, establishment of rapid response units, prosecution of kidnappers and provision of psychological support for affected students.

The National Association of Nigerian Students also expressed concern, with President Comrade Akinteye Afeez noting that the effects of insecurity extend beyond affected regions.

He said students nationwide are increasingly anxious about their safety, urging authorities to strengthen protection around schools while ensuring examinations continue without disruption.

“We must ensure students can write their exams in a safe environment. Governments at all levels must prioritise security around educational institutions,” Afeez said, adding that NANS officials are already engaged in efforts to secure the release of abducted students in Oyo State.

NANS National Treasurer Comrade Idris Asmau also warned that continued insecurity could discourage teachers from remaining in the profession and push others to seek safer opportunities abroad.

Parents have also expressed concern. Mrs Theresa Christopher, whose daughter is writing the WAEC examination in Benue State, said the climate of fear could affect students even in unaffected areas, urging government to prioritise school safety as a national emergency.

President of the NANS Senate, Comrade Moses Ibeabuchi, said insecurity risks distracting students during examinations, potentially affecting academic outcomes nationwide.

Another concerned observer warned that repeated school attacks could be achieving the aim of discouraging Western education, urging stronger national efforts to combat terrorism and protect Nigeria’s education system.

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As the WAEC 2026 security concerns Nigeria continue to mount, stakeholders are calling for urgent, coordinated action to restore confidence in schools and safeguard the future of millions of students.