School Abductions Cast Shadow Over 2026 WASSCE as Anxiety Spreads Nationwide

As the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), organised by the West African Examinations Council, progresses across Nigeria, fresh concerns are emerging over rising insecurity and its possible impact on candidates sitting the national exams.

More than 1.9 million students are currently taking part in the examination across over 24,000 centres nationwide. However, education stakeholders warn that persistent school attacks and unresolved abductions could undermine both participation and performance.

The examination, which began on April 21 with practical sessions and is scheduled to end on June 19, is now being conducted under a cloud of fear following a series of violent incidents targeting schools in different parts of the country.

Concerns intensified after two major school attacks in Borno and Oyo States, where dozens of pupils, students, and teachers were abducted and remain in captivity more than 20 days later.

In Borno State, suspected insurgents linked to Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province stormed Government Day Secondary School and nearby primary schools in Mussa community, Askira/Uba Local Government Area, on May 16. During the attack, 42 students and pupils were taken away. As of the time of this report, no rescue had been confirmed, while authorities have ordered the closure and relocation of the affected school.

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In a separate incident in Oyo State on May 15, gunmen attacked Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, alongside two primary schools in Oriire Local Government Area. About 46 people, including 39 pupils and seven teachers, were abducted, with no official release reported.

Stakeholders say the psychological impact of such attacks is spreading far beyond the affected states. The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS warned that repeated assaults on schools are creating widespread anxiety among students nationwide, including those not directly affected.

According to student leaders, fear of potential attacks may distract candidates currently sitting for the WAEC examinations, reducing concentration, increasing anxiety, and affecting academic performance.

Similarly, education stakeholders argue that the situation could lead to long-term consequences such as increased dropout rates and declining confidence in formal education, especially in rural areas.

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Ogun State also raised an alarm over the implications of insecurity on students’ mental well-being. Officials noted that fear, trauma, and displacement could significantly reduce students’ ability to prepare adequately for examinations.

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Parents have echoed similar concerns, warning that even students in relatively safe areas are psychologically affected by reports of school attacks nationwide. One parent, Mrs. Theresa Christopher, stressed that the government must treat school security as a national emergency to protect the future of children.

Across the board, stakeholders are urging federal and state governments to take stronger action to secure schools, rescue abducted victims, and restore public confidence in the education system.

Recommendations include deploying trained security personnel to vulnerable schools, setting up rapid response mechanisms, and ensuring perpetrators of school attacks are prosecuted.

NANS leaders have also called for sustained protection of educational institutions, stressing that students must be able to write examinations without fear or disruption.

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As the 2026 WASSCE continues, concerns remain that insecurity may be achieving one of its unintended consequences—disrupting education and instilling fear among young Nigerians.

With calls growing louder for urgent intervention, stakeholders warn that failure to secure schools could have lasting implications on the country’s education system and the future of millions of students.