Former D’Tigers captain and Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) board member, Olumide Oyedeji, has expressed deep concern over the slow progress of basketball in Nigeria, blaming it on leadership problems and division within the federation.
Speaking in Abeokuta Oyedeji admitted that the problems in Nigerian basketball have gone on for too long. He took responsibility as a board member but said that without unity, the sport will not grow.
“I take responsibility for the failures,” Oyedeji said. “But this is bigger than me or anyone else. Nigerian basketball is suffering because of a lack of unity.”
Oyedeji, who led Nigeria to its historic AfroBasket victory in 2015, described the current state of the NBBF as harmful to the sport. He called on all parties involved to put basketball first, rather than personal interests.
“We need to stop the fighting. Until we work together, nothing good will come out of this. Basketball must come before politics or personal gain,” he added.
The NBBF has been caught in a leadership crisis for several years. This has led to split camps, cancelled local leagues, lost sponsorship deals, and confusion over Nigeria’s place in international competitions.
Now representing the South West zone on the NBBF board, Oyedeji has also been busy supporting youth basketball. He announced plans to hold age-grade competitions across the region to help rebuild the game from the grassroots.
“We are starting U-13, U-16, and U-17 tournaments. Our goal is to grow the game from the bottom up. That is how to discover and train talent the right way,” he explained.
Oyedeji also called for changes to the NBBF’s constitution, saying it currently favours only a few people. He believes a fairer and more inclusive structure is needed to move the game forward.
“We need a constitution that includes everyone. Basketball belongs to all Nigerians, not just a few,” he said.
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld Monday Okpebholo’s election as Edo State’s governor. A three-member panel, in a unanimous ruling on Thursday, confirmed the prior decision of the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which had validated his win in the 21 September 2024 election.
The Court of Appeal rejected the appeal brought by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, thereby solidifying Mr. Okpebholo’s victory in the contested election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced Mr. Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner with 291,667 votes, while Mr. Ighodalo took second place with 247,655 votes. Other candidates in the election garnered only a small portion of the votes.
Mr. Ighodalo contested the results at the Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal in Abuja, claiming widespread irregularities, overvoting, malpractices, and violations of the Electoral Act.
The tribunal, in its judgement in April, dismissed his claims as unproven.
Believing strongly in his case, Mr. Ighodalo quickly appealed the tribunal’s verdict at the Court of Appeal.
On Thursday, the Court of Appeal affirmed the tribunal’s ruling, stating that Mr. Ighodalo and his party failed to present enough evidence in support of their case.
The ruling by the Court of Appeal is not the final word in election disputes, as parties dissatisfied with the outcome can further appeal to the Supreme Court, which holds the ultimate authority.
Mr. Okpebholo, a candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), participated in the gubernatorial election on 21 September 2024.
Frustrated with the tribunal’s decision, Mr. Ighodalo sought recourse by appealing at the Court of Appeal in Abuja.
Upon receiving the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the tribunal judgement, the PDP Chairman in Edo, Tony Aziegbemi, described it as a miscarriage of justice that ignored facts and rewarded impunity.
On May 29, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marked his second year in office with a national broadcast in Abuja. His address, promising that “the worst is over” and “the future is bright,” comes at a time when millions of Nigerians are grappling with severe economic hardship, persistent security threats, and a fragile sense of national stability.
The Economic Landscape: Between Reform and Reality
Since assuming office, President Tinubu’s administration has enacted sweeping economic reforms — the most notable being the removal of the fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange system. While these measures were intended to boost fiscal stability and attract investment, they have had painful short-term consequences.
Prices of basic goods — rice, bread, fuel — have soared, with inflation reaching nearly 30% earlier this year. Transport fares have more than doubled in many areas, squeezing already strained household budgets. Small businesses are also feeling the pinch, with high borrowing costs and a volatile naira.
President Tinubu acknowledged these hardships in his speech, stating: “I am acutely aware that for many of our people, the economic situation remains challenging. Yet, I assure you that these challenges are temporary and the worst is over.”
Recent economic indicators show some signs of stabilization — inflation has eased slightly to 28%, and GDP growth picked up to 3.5% in the first quarter of 2025. However, for many ordinary Nigerians, the gap between these statistics and daily survival remains wide.
Security: Gains and Lingering Fears
Nigeria’s security challenges are as pressing as ever. Banditry and kidnappings continue in the North West, while attacks on farmers and clashes between herders and communities threaten food security in parts of the North Central. In the South East, separatist tensions fuel violence and economic disruptions.
Tinubu’s administration has ramped up military operations and intelligence efforts. In his speech, he emphasized his government’s commitment to securing every inch of Nigeria: “We shall remain vigilant to end this plague of evil men. Every Nigerian deserves to live without fear.”
Despite these assurances, the situation remains fragile. Many communities still live under a cloud of insecurity, with limited faith in the government’s ability to provide lasting peace.
Infrastructure: Building Blocks of Hope
One of Tinubu’s talking points was infrastructure development — a major pillar of his “Renewed Hope Agenda.” He cited projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway, and the recently completed Second Niger Bridge access road as signs of progress.
These projects, he argued, are laying the groundwork for long-term growth, creating jobs and improving connectivity. However, critics say their benefits are yet to reach ordinary Nigerians who struggle daily with bad roads, unreliable electricity, and limited access to quality healthcare.
Social Programs: Targeting the Most Vulnerable
To cushion the blow of economic reforms, Tinubu’s government has rolled out several social programs. Free dialysis treatment in selected hospitals, expansion of health insurance to 20 million people, and the launch of the student loan scheme are some of the measures he highlighted.
Yet, many argue these efforts are inadequate or poorly implemented, with significant gaps in coverage and impact. In communities across Nigeria, frustration is growing as safety nets appear too thin to absorb the economic shocks.
Public Sentiment: Hope or Hardship?
As President Tinubu proclaimed that “the worst is over,” reactions have been mixed. For many Nigerians, the daily reality of high prices, job scarcity, and insecurity feels unchanged. Critics question whether the optimism in Tinubu’s speech matches the suffering many endure.
Analysts, however, caution that Tinubu’s reforms — if sustained and supported by targeted social interventions — could indeed lay the foundation for long-term growth. The question remains whether this growth will be inclusive and whether the government can move beyond declarations to concrete relief for those most in need.
President Tinubu’s two-year score card reveals a country at a crossroads — caught between the pain of reforms and the promise of eventual stability. His speech projected a message of hope and resilience, but it also underscored the urgent need for policies that bridge the gap between economic recovery and human well-being.
As Nigeria looks ahead, the true test of Tinubu’s leadership will be whether this “Renewed Hope” agenda can deliver not just macroeconomic gains, but real change for the millions still waiting for relief.
South Africa has surpassed Nigeria as Africa’s leading fuel importer, following the surge in production at Nigeria’s Dangote Petrochemical Refinery, according to a new report by energy consultancy CITAC.
The Dangote refinery, which began large-scale production in early 2024, is reshaping Africa’s fuel supply landscape. With an impressive capacity of 650,000 barrels per day—making it the largest single-train refinery in the world—Dangote’s output has significantly cut Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel.
Data from CITAC indicates that Nigeria imported 3.1 million metric tonnes of refined petroleum products in Q1 2025. In contrast, South Africa imported 4.2 million tonnes during the same period, marking a significant shift in Africa’s energy market.
“Elitsa Georgieva, Executive Director at CITAC, said, “Nigerian imports are dropping as a result of the continued operation of Dangote. Since early this year, South African imports have consistently been the highest in sub-Saharan Africa. Crude throughput across the region rose by 77.8% year-on-year in 2024, driven largely by Dangote’s operations.”
For decades, Nigeria has relied on imported fuel despite being Africa’s largest crude oil producer. However, the report suggests that Nigeria’s refined fuel imports will decline to 6.4 million tonnes in 2025, less than half of South Africa’s projected 15.5 million tonnes.
The Dangote refinery’s growing output has displaced many traditional fuel imports in West Africa. The report states, “The long-awaited 650,000 barrels-per-day Dangote refinery began operations in January 2024, gradually ramping up production. It has become a major source of petroleum products, disrupting established trade routes.”
While Nigeria’s fuel import dependency declines, South Africa’s need for foreign fuel is intensifying. Since 2020, several of its refineries have shut down due to accidents, ageing infrastructure, and lack of investment. Currently, over 60% of South Africa’s fuel demand is met by imports, according to Transnet SOC Ltd.
The situation worsened in 2022 when Sapref, the country’s largest refinery, was idled. Although the government acquired Sapref in 2023 to restart operations, a relaunch date has yet to be confirmed.
“South Africa’s refining shortfall is attracting foreign traders looking to fill the supply gap,” said an industry insider involved in Shell’s divestment from Sapref.
Analysts believe Nigeria’s reduced reliance on fuel imports could help strengthen the naira, ease pressure on foreign exchange reserves, and narrow trade deficits. Additionally, it could lessen the fiscal burden of subsidising imported fuel.
The Dangote refinery’s impact is also reshaping business models for fuel traders. Swiss-based Mocoh, which had long focused on supplying petrol to Nigeria’s market through deals with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, has shifted its strategy in response.
“With Dangote now supplying large volumes to the domestic market, we’ve had to pivot quickly,” said Olivier Lassagne, Mocoh’s new CEO. “While we lost most of our petrol trade with NNPC in early 2025, we’re now repositioning for new opportunities.”
Mocoh is now collaborating with Dangote to export surplus fuel to nearby markets like Benin, Cameroon, and Burkina Faso. However, competition is fierce, with Dangote preferring trading giants such as Vitol, BP, and Trafigura for major export deals. Meanwhile, newer players like Atmin, backed by Afreximbank, are also seeking to expand intra-African fuel trade.
“Dangote values flexibility and market pricing—they’re not locking in exclusive partnerships,” Lassagne noted. “We’re positioning ourselves as a nimble regional player in this evolving landscape.”
Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, has stated that the Federal Government is actively working to reduce the country’s reliance on foreign pharmaceutical imports.
Experts in the pharmaceutical field have pointed out that Nigeria’s healthcare sector remains highly exposed due to the fact that 70 percent of medicines used in the country are imported.
Nevertheless, the Minister emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s government is taking deliberate steps to revive and strengthen the domestic pharmaceutical industry, which has suffered years of decline.
In an interview, Professor Pate explained that the President has launched the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC) to tackle these challenges.
The PVAC initiative is designed to overhaul Nigeria’s healthcare system and position the country as a key global player in health product manufacturing through significant investment and greater private sector involvement.
“For decades, Nigeria has been systematically de-industrialised. We were dependent on imports of the most basic things like generic pharmaceuticals, which we could have produced; yes, we did have some local manufacturers, but they struggled. They struggled because the policy environment was not structured.
“This administration tries to address it head on, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu initiated an effort to unlock the healthcare value chain, what we call PVAC, with policy reforms, the executive order to reduce the tariffs on raw materials and manufacturing equipment,” the minister said.
He further noted that the “Nigeria First” policy, which is designed to prioritise local content, will help promote the use of locally produced drugs and strengthen the country’s medical industry.
Professor Pate also mentioned that the government’s interventions are beginning to yield results, as private investors are now taking interest in the pharmaceutical sector and setting up manufacturing facilities.
“Recently, we commissioned a manufacturing plant in Sagamu in Ogun state, and several others have now started setting up. One here in Abuja is able to produce 600 million test kits.
“Two years ago, in all of Sub-Saharan Africa, there was no local manufacturer of rapid diagnostic kits, even to tell whether you have malaria or an infection. But now we do have local manufacturers, and that’s just the beginning. There are many more that are in the line because of this direction that this government has taken to produce locally,” he revealed.
He concluded by affirming that the Tinubu’s administration has laid a strong foundation to drive the medical industrialisation of Nigeria.
Ngugi wa Thiong’o, the revered Kenyan novelist, playwright, and scholar whose fearless critique of colonialism and post-independence elites reshaped African literature, passed away on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Buford, Georgia, at the age of 87.
His death, confirmed by his son Nducu wa Ngugi and his U.S. publisher, The New Press, marks the end of a remarkable six-decade career dedicated to chronicling Kenya’s turbulent journey from colonial subjugation to self-rule and advocating for the use of African languages in literature.
His Early Life
Born James Thiong’o Ngugi on January 5, 1938, in Kamiriithu, near Limuru, Kenya, Ngũgĩ grew up in a large Kikuyu family during the height of British colonial rule. His early life was profoundly shaped by the Mau Mau Uprising (1952–1960), a pivotal rebellion against colonial oppression.
The conflict touched him personally, his half-brother Mwangi was killed as a member of the Kenya Land and Freedom Army, another brother, Gitogo, was fatally shot by British forces due to his deafness preventing him from hearing a command, and his mother was tortured at a local home guard post.
These experiences of loss and resistance became a cornerstone of Ngũgĩ’s literary voice, infusing his work with themes of resilience and defiance.
Early Achievements and Literary Ascent
Ngũgĩ’s intellectual journey began at Alliance High School, an elite institution run by British missionaries, where his family’s sacrifices enabled his education.
He later attended Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda, earning a B.A. in English in 1963. At Makerere, he attended the 1962 African Writers Conference, where he shared manuscripts of his debut novel, Weep Not, Child, with Nigerian author Chinua Achebe. Published in 1964, it became the first major English-language novel by an East African writer, earning critical acclaim for its poignant depiction of the Mau Mau struggle.
His subsequent novels, The River Between (1965) and A Grain of Wheat (1967), solidified his reputation as a leading voice in African literature.
In 1967, Ngũgĩ embraced Fanonist Marxism and began teaching at the University of Nairobi, where he sparked a movement to abolish the English department, advocating for African literature and languages to take center stage.
By 1970, he renounced his colonial name, James, adopting Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, and vowed to write primarily in his native Gikuyu, a radical act to reclaim cultural identity.
His 1977 novel Petals of Blood sharply criticized Kenya’s post-independence elite, accusing them of perpetuating colonial inequalities.
Imprisonment and Exile
That same year, his play Ngaahika Ndeenda (I Will Marry When I Want), co-written with Ngũgĩ wa Mirii, provoked the Kenyan government under President Jomo Kenyatta, leading to its shutdown after six weeks and Ngũgĩ’s arrest.
Imprisoned without trial for nearly a year in Kamiti Maximum Security Prison, Ngũgĩ turned adversity into creativity, writing Caitaani Mũtharaba-Inĩ (Devil on the Cross), the first modern novel in Gikuyu, on toilet paper. Released in 1978 after Daniel arap Moi assumed the presidency.
Ngugi faced continued harassment and learned in 1982 of a plot to kill him, prompting a 22-year exile in the UK and later the US. During this period, he held professorships at Yale, New York University, and the University of California, Irvine, where he founded the International Center for Writing & Translation.
Literary Legacy and Awards
Ngũgĩ’s commitment to decolonizing literature extended beyond his fiction. In his seminal 1986 essay collection Decolonising the Mind, he argued that African writers must reject colonial languages like English and French to reclaim cultural authenticity, famously challenging peers like Chinua Achebe for writing in English.
His short story The Upright Revolution: Or Why Humans Walk Upright became the most translated African literary text, available in over 100 languages, surpassing Achebe’s Things Fall Apart.
His extensive body of work includes novels like Matigari (1986), Wizard of the Crow (2006), and The Perfect Nine (2020), as well as plays, memoirs (Detained: A Writer’s Prison Diary, 1981; Dreams in a Time of War, 2010), and children’s books.
Ngũgĩ’s accolades include the 2001 International Nonino Prize, the 2016 Park Kyong-ni Prize, the 2019 Premi Internacional de Catalunya, and the 2022 PEN/Nabokov Award, though the Nobel Prize for Literature, for which he was frequently nominated, eluded him, to the dismay of fans and scholars.
Personal Challenges and Health Struggles
Ngũgĩ’s personal life was complex and not without controversy. Married twice, first to Nyambura, with whom he had six children, and later to Njeeri, with whom he had two, he faced allegations of domestic abuse from his son Mũkoma wa Ngũgĩ in 2024.
Mũkoma claimed Ngũgĩ physically abused Nyambura, who died in 1996, sparking debate about his legacy. Ngũgĩ did not publicly respond to the allegations, which some argued overshadowed his literary contributions.
Health challenges also marked his later years. Diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1995 and given three months to live, Ngũgĩ defied the prognosis. He underwent triple bypass heart surgery in 2019 and battled kidney failure, yet continued writing and teaching until his final days.
Global Tributes and Enduring Impact
Ngũgĩ’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes. Kenyan President William Ruto praised his “undeniable patriotism” and “quest for truth,” while Professor Macharia Munene called his work a “true reflection of society.”
On X, South African politician Mbuyiseni Ndlozi mourned him as “Africa’s greatest literary pen” and a “warrior for indigenous African languages.”
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o leaves behind a towering legacy as a storyteller, activist, and scholar who challenged the linguistic and cultural vestiges of colonialism. His insistence on the power of African languages continues to inspire writers and readers worldwide, ensuring his voice endures in the global literary canon.
Chelsea have made football history by becoming the first club to win all five major European competitions, capping off the achievement with a dramatic 4-1 comeback victory over Real Betis in the UEFA Conference League final in Wroclaw.
The victory in Poland means Chelsea now hold: UEFA Champions League UEFA Europa League UEFA Conference League UEFA Super Cup UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup (defunct)
This monumental feat cements Chelsea’s place in European football folklore, achieving something no other club has managed – winning all of Europe’s elite and historic competitions.
A Night of Drama: How the Final Unfolded
Early Dominance by Real Betis Real Betis started the brighter side, and their lively display was rewarded when Abde Ezzalzouli fired home a brilliant finish after a classy pass from Isco. Betis created multiple chances in the first half, with Antony heading over and Marc Bartra forcing a save from Filip Jorgensen. Chelsea looked shaky and were fortunate not to be further behind by halftime.
Chelsea’s Tactical Adjustments Spark a Turnaround Head coach Enzo Maresca made a crucial change at the break, bringing on Reece James as an inverted right-back to provide more control and width. That move proved decisive, as Chelsea began to dominate possession and force Betis deeper into their own half.
Cole Palmer’s Moment of Magic With 25 minutes left and Chelsea trailing, Cole Palmer took charge. He cut in from the right and delivered an inch-perfect inswinging cross for Enzo Fernandez to nod home the equalizer. Just five minutes later, Palmer was at it again, picking out Nicolas Jackson who bundled in at the near post to complete the turnaround.
Sancho and Caicedo Seal the Deal The Blues didn’t stop there. Substitute Jadon Sancho added a third with a superb curling finish from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s pass, while Moises Caicedo capped the night with a deflected strike from 20 yards in injury time. Chelsea’s second-half performance was a masterclass in composure and finishing.
Maresca’s Masterstroke: A First Season to Remember
Enzo Maresca’s decision to field his strongest XI in the final paid off. Unlike previous Conference League games where he rotated heavily, Maresca kept faith with six of the players who secured Champions League qualification on the final day of the Premier League season.
His tactical tweak with James and the impactful substitutions of Sancho and Dewsbury-Hall highlighted his growing credentials as a manager at the highest level.
The victory ends Chelsea’s two-year wait for silverware, their last triumph being the Club World Cup in February 2022. More importantly, it marks a promising start to Maresca’s tenure at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s Unmatched European Trophy Haul: A Closer Look
UEFA Champions League
Titles: 2 (2011/12, 2020/21)
Chelsea’s first European crown came in 2012 when they beat Bayern Munich on penalties at the Allianz Arena. Nine years later, they triumphed again in 2021, downing Manchester City 1-0 in Porto thanks to Kai Havertz’s decisive goal.
UEFA Europa League
Titles: 2 (2012/13, 2018/19)
After winning the Champions League in 2012, Chelsea dropped into the Europa League the following season and lifted the trophy under Rafa Benitez. In 2019, they repeated the feat with a commanding 4-1 win over Arsenal in Baku, led by Eden Hazard’s final act in blue.
UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup
Titles: 2 (1970/71, 1997/98)
In 1971, Chelsea defeated Real Madrid in a replay to lift their first Cup Winners’ Cup. In 1998, Gianfranco Zola’s goal in Stockholm secured a 1-0 win over Stuttgart, adding another cherished trophy to the club’s history.
UEFA Super Cup
Titles: 2 (1998, 2021)
Chelsea lifted their first Super Cup in 1998 and claimed their second in 2021, showcasing their continued relevance in Europe across generations.
UEFA Conference League
Title: 1 (2024/25)
The final piece of the puzzle. This triumph over Real Betis completes Chelsea’s clean sweep of Europe’s most prestigious competitions.
Heartbreak for Real Betis
For Real Betis, this was a first-ever European final, and they showed plenty of quality in the first half. Isco, a five-time Champions League winner, was instrumental in their early dominance, creating the opener for Ezzalzouli and orchestrating Betis’ attacking moves.
However, after halftime, Betis struggled to cope with Chelsea’s intensity and clinical finishing. Antony and Bartra had chances to extend their lead, but ultimately they fell short, leaving players in tears at the final whistle. Manager Manuel Pellegrini will be left to ponder what might have been after such a promising start.
What’s Next for Chelsea?
Chelsea’s European conquest isn’t the end of their season. The Blues will head to the United States in mid-June to compete in the FIFA Club World Cup, aiming to add even more silverware to their overflowing trophy cabinet.
This victory in Wroclaw, though, will be remembered for years to come. Chelsea’s clean sweep of European trophies is a testament to their enduring ambition and growing European pedigree.
Chelsea’s 4-1 triumph over Real Betis in the UEFA Conference League final is more than just another trophy – it’s a landmark achievement in European football. From Isco’s first-half brilliance to Cole Palmer’s second-half magic, the night belonged to the Blues. Chelsea’s unprecedented clean sweep of Europe’s top competitions confirms their status as one of the continent’s elite.
The 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) descended into chaos on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, as a leakage of the English Language Essay Paper 1 triggered widespread delays across Nigeria, forcing thousands of secondary school students to write exams late into the night under dire conditions.
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) attributed the disruption to its efforts to curb examination malpractice, but logistical failures, power outages, and insecurity amplified the crisis, sparking outrage among students, parents, and educators.
As Nigeria prepares for a full transition to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) by 2026, questions linger about whether this shift will resolve such systemic issues.
Why the WASSCE English Paper Was Delayed
The English Language Paper 1, a compulsory component of the WASSCE, was marred by an alleged leakage of the essay questions, prompting WAEC to take drastic measures to protect the examination’s integrity.
In a statement issued on May 29, 2025, WAEC spokesperson Moyosola Adeshina confirmed that the council reprinted and redistributed new question papers to counter the leak, a process that caused significant logistical setbacks.
“Our focus on curbing question paper leakage unintentionally led to delays in the smooth running of the paper.”
Adeshina said, noting that the council achieved its objective of safeguarding the exam’s credibility but at the cost of timely delivery
The impact was felt across multiple states, including Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Kwara, and Benue.
In Lagos, the objective paper, originally scheduled for 9:30 a.m., commenced at 11:30 a.m., with the essay paper starting at 4:55 p.m. and ending at 6:55 p.m.
In Ibadan, schools such as Oba Akinbiyi High School, Ibadan Boys High School, and Vale College reported the essay paper beginning at 5:30 p.m., while in Ilorin, question papers arrived past 4:00 p.m., pushing exam start times to 7:00 p.m. or later.
In Benue, some centers saw students writing as late as 11:00 p.m.
A WAEC supervisor in Lagos, speaking anonymously, revealed that supervisors were forced to wait for the delayed delivery of reprinted papers, exacerbating the disruption
Dr. Kayode Adeyemi, National Secretary of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), attributed the delays to WAEC’s logistical challenges, noting that most schools were unprepared for such a setback.
“Schools with electricity supply might not have faced significant challenges, but those without alternative power sources struggled to finish before it was dark,” Adeyemi said, highlighting the uneven impact across centers.
In Ilorin, Kwara State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, clarified that the delay was not a state-level issue but a result of WAEC’s need to reprint papers, describing it as an “unusual occurrence” unprecedented in the state’s examination history
Impacts on Student, Parents, and Educators
The late-night exams were compounded by power outages in many centers, forcing students to rely on mobile phone flashlights and headlamps to complete their papers.
In Ilorin’s Adewole area, Mubarak Akande, whose sister was a candidate, described a harrowing scene:
“I walked into the school around 7:00 p.m. and saw students writing in a dark classroom using flashlights. Imagine anyone with a sight defect there. I’m livid.”
Similar reports emerged from Osun, where students wrote until 9:00 p.m., and Benue, where exams extended to 11:00 p.m. under torchlight.
Insecurity added another layer of concern, as many exam centers were located in areas with known safety risks.
Parents expressed fears for their children’s safety, noting that teenagers traveling home late at night were vulnerable.
A parent at Vale College in Ibadan criticized the lack of communication from WAEC, stating,
“The gap between the first and second papers was too long, and no tangible reason was given other than logistics. This is unfair for a compulsory subject like English.”
Another parent in Osun, Julius Olufemi, echoed these sentiments, arguing that WAEC should have postponed the exam to a later date rather than endangering students.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) issued a press release condemning the “inhumane conditions” and called for a thorough investigation into WAEC’s handling of the situation.
The crisis sparked a firestorm on social media, particularly on X, where Nigerians voiced their anger and demanded accountability.
An X user, @trendingblog247: confirmed that the delays were due to WAEC reprinting questions after the leak, resulting in “unfavorable writing conditions.”
@Beta9ja1: suggested that WAEC should have collaborated with JAMB to use CBT centers and postponed the exam, stating, “You would have eliminated malpractice.”
@izak_black: an exam officer, corroborated the leakage as the cause, noting that WAEC’s decision to change questions led to the delays.
Meanwhile, @MrLekanAdigun: praised the government’s push for CBT by 2026, calling it a step toward reform.
x user @Uncle_Dips: shared a personal account of his son’s ordeal, emphasizing the stress caused by the disruption.
The sentiment on X reflects deep frustration with WAEC’s recurring logistical failures, with users describing the situation as “disgraceful” and “beyond incompetence.” Many called for systemic reforms.
Will CBT come to rescue for WAEC Examinations?
In response to persistent issues like question leaks, the Nigerian government has mandated a full transition to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for WAEC and NECO examinations by May/June 2026.
Minister of Education Tunji Alausa, during a monitoring exercise in Abuja on April 28, 2025, announced that objective papers will be administered via CBT starting November 2025, with essay components included by 2026.
“If JAMB can conduct CBT exams for over 2.2 million candidates, WAEC and NECO can do the same,” Alausa said, emphasizing that CBT would eliminate malpractices like leaks.
WAEC’s Head of National Office, Dr. Amos Dangut, previously noted that the council’s inaugural CBT-WASSCE for private candidates in 2024, which involved over 8,000 participants, was a success, paving the way for broader adoption.
The shift to CBT is expected to address vulnerabilities associated with physical question papers, such as leaks, by using encrypted digital formats and biometric verification.
WAEC has already introduced measures like unique question sets for each candidate in the 2025 WASSCE to deter malpractice, but the recent leakage shows that paper-based systems remain susceptible.
Additionally, CBT’s automated scoring and real-time surveillance could enhance security and efficiency, as seen in JAMB’s model, which has reduced cheating through robust digital infrastructure.
However, significant challenges loom. Alausa admitted on May 28, 2025, that Nigeria may not be fully equipped with the necessary infrastructure by November 2025, particularly in remote areas.
“Are we going to be ready to provide every single needed infrastructure? Absolutely not. But we have to challenge ourselves,” he said during a CBT exam monitoring session in Abuja.
The recent WASSCE incident, where students wrote in darkness due to power outages, underscores the critical need for reliable electricity and computer facilities.
Ike Onyechere, founding chairman of Exam Ethics Marshals International, warned that 67% of Nigeria’s secondary schools function as “exam magic centres,” highlighting the scale of infrastructure and integrity challenges.
Concerns also arise about student and teacher readiness. An X user from northern Nigeria, @ChuksEricE , expressed worry that many students and teachers lack computer literacy, which could hinder performance in a CBT environment.
Another X user, @Naija_PR , noted, “The Federal Government’s directive for CBT by 2026 is ambitious, but we need to see action on the ground.” For now, the 2025 WASSCE candidates, who endured hours of waiting and wrote under torchlight, are left hoping that future examinations will prioritize their welfare and safety.
A committee reviewing examination standards is expected to submit recommendations by June 2025, potentially addressing these gaps through investments in digital infrastructure, training programs, and power solutions.
Future Outlook
The 2025 WASSCE English Language paper delay exposed deep-rooted issues in Nigeria’s examination system, from question leaks to logistical failures and inadequate infrastructure.
WAEC’s apology and commitment to collaborate with security agencies to prevent future leaks are positive steps, but they do little to assuage the immediate frustration of candidates and parents.
The transition to CBT by 2026 offers hope for a more secure and efficient system, but its success hinges on addressing Nigeria’s power crisis, equipping schools with computers, and ensuring digital literacy for all stakeholders.
The government’s push for reform, as seen in Alausa’s directives and the ongoing standards review, signals a commitment to change.
However, without urgent investment in infrastructure and contingency planning, the shift to CBT risks replicating the same logistical failures seen in 2025.
On Wednesday night at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium, a strike from Cyril Dessersand forced own goal helped Nigeria’s Super Eagles claim a 2-1 Win over West African rivals Ghana in the 2025 Unity Cup.
As is often the case with encounters between Nigeria and Ghana, the game was a feisty affair laced with equal parts meaty challenges and absurd skills, despite of both sides sending out significantly less than full strength lineups.
Nigeria, missing the likes of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and William Troost-Ekong, started with three players from the domestic league.
But the Nigerians looked the better side for most of the first half and richly deserved their two-goal advantage. It should have been at least three, but for Razak Simpson making a goal line clearance just before the half.
The second half largely belonged to the Black Stars, especially after Eric Sekou-Chelle’s three-player substitution on the hour mark, and they were rewarded when substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante stretched to poke past Stanley Nwabali.
The result means that the Super Eagles proceed to the final of the four-nation Afro-Caribbean tournament, where they will meet Jamaica on Saturday.
The Reggae Boyz claimed their place in Saturday’s showpiece with a 3-2 triumph over fellow islanders Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday at the same venue.
Revenge not so sweet?
Brentford is a city that provokes some banter-trauma amongst Super Eagles fans. It was the venue when the Black Stars handed the Eagles a 4-1 hiding in a 2007 friendly.
For those who may argue that it was just a friendly, it most certainly was not. Not for the players at the time and certainly not for the fans. The long standing rivalry between both teams apart, that score was unexpected.
Going into the fixture, Nigeria were riding an eight-game unbeaten streak against Ghana going back 15 years to 1992, the last time they lost to the Black Stars, at the African Cup of Nations in Senegal.
Despite the usual haphazard preparations, the expectations were for another win, or at least a tie, but nothing prepared Super Eagles fans for the nightmare of that night.
Austin Eguavoen’s side were so demolished by Ghana that stunned Nigeria fans were frozen into disbelieving silence… and not just by the freezing conditions.
It has been 18 long years since, and the Super Eagles have claimed various victories against Ghana, but that memory sticks around like a bad smell.
Wednesday’s victory, at the scene of the original pain, has gone some way to avenge that loss, but it will be a while before it is finally assuaged.
Have domestic players convinced coach Chelle?
True to his pre-game promise, Eric Chelle handed starting roles to four new players, three of those from the domestic league, the NPFL.
Slavia Prague’s Igoh Ogbu was handed his international debut alongside home boys Taiwo Alimi and Papa Daniel, with Ismaila Sodiq winning a start on his second international appearance.
One thing was not in doubt, all three fizzed as they brought exactly the sort of energetic display of lung and muscle that Chelle wants to see in his players.
Sodiq was especially eye-catching when he challenged for what looked like a lost cause, won the ball, bounded down the line and delivered a measured cross that avoided the defence and landed on a plate for Rangers’ Dessers to open the scoring.
The Super Eagles were pushed to the back foot when they were yanked back to parity on the hour mark.
The question however, would be if they are better than or even as good as what is currently available to the coach. One would be hard-pressed to pick Sodiq over Ola Aina or Bright Osayi-Samuel; Alimi over Lookman, or Moses Simon and Papa Daniel still has a ways to go before he can challenge Alex Iwobi or Frank Onyeka.
Still, the sample size is still small and it is the opening chapter of their international experience.
As long as they do not run off to some backwater club abroad and drop off the radar, but continue to learn, improve and be mentored by the more experienced players, the promise is certainly there.
Is Nwabali getting complacent?
Let’s start by saying that Chippa United’s Nwabali remains the best Nigeria has in goal at this time, and he showed it with minutes to go when he went down to make a game-saving save late in the second half.
However, the goalkeeper appears to have either become lax, or way too comfortable in his position without a lack of real competition, at least during this game.
Twice, his laissez-faire attitude saw him come close to gifting Ghana goals. A lazy play out pass that was meant for Wilfred Ndidi in the first half was intercepted by Ghana and only a contortionist save by Nwabali himself made up for the error.
There is no excuse for such lapses in judgement, especially for an international goalkeeper, irrespective of the opposition.
Chelle will need to light a fire under Nwabali, perhaps by playing Maduka Okoye in the second game, or even against Russia. Such g a kick up the backside might be exactly what the doctor ordered.
Are late goals becoming an issue?
It is only three games so, deep breath, we are not panicking. Yet. But a pattern of conceding late in the game seems to have developed recently.
Against Rwanda, the Super Eagles were under the cosh for large parts of the latter stages of the game. They weathered the storm and returned with three valuable points in the bag. Such a barrage is to be expected when playing away from home and holding onto a lead.
But alarm bells went off a bit when they surrendered a late, late goal to Zimbabwe at home, a goal that severely compromised their World Cup qualification hopes.
On Wednesday against Ghana, a similar late collapse led to Ghana’s goal and but for Nwabali’s timely last-stand goalkeeping, could well have turned a victory into a tie.
Three games, three variations of self-implosion late in the game… It is hard not to be more than a little concerned, and it’s something to keep an eye on when Nigeria play Jamaica on Saturday, and Russia a few days later.
So… did Musa ‘prove himself’?
Ahmed Musa is the elephant in the room. On the one hand, his leadership and tribal knowledge of the Super Eagles would make him an invaluable resource to the team, both player and coaches.
On the other hand, with his dwindling powers as time catches up with him, would the team benefit more from having a younger player in the squad?
Chelle said ahead of the game that Musa would get the minutes he needed to prove his worth and earn a place in the squad. Against Ghana, he got half an hour. On the basis of those thirty odd minutes, it is hard to make a case one way or another.
There are another 90 minutes to go, and perhaps at least another thirty in there for the Nigeria captain. After 108 appearances, his international future hangs in the balance of the next game he plays for Nigeria.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria made it to the final of the Unity Cup friendly tournament with a 2-1 win over Ghana in the tournament’s other game.
Jamaica have earlier booked their spot with a 3-2 win over Trinidad and Tobago yesterday, and goals from Cyriel Dessers and Semi Ajayi ensured that the Super Eagles join them in the final.
Cyriel Dessers made up for missing two opportunities with a smart finish in the 14th minute by making the best of an unfortunate slip by a Ghanian defender in his bid to clear a cross from Samaila Sodiq.
Semi Ajayi’s deflected header from a free kick from Samuel Chukwueze doubled the lead for the Eric Chelle led side in the 19th minute, leaving Ghana confused.
Super Eagles failed to put the game to bed with Papa Daniel attempting a lob with the goalkeeper beaten and a deflected effort from Frank Onyeka had the Ghanaian goalkeeper Benjamin Asare scrambling wasn’t enough to give Nigeria a commanding break.
Ghana returned from the break the better side and got rewarded when Brandon Thomas-Asante pulled a goal back for them in the 70th minute. It ended up as a consolation goal with the Super Eagles hanging on for the win.
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