*Commissioner apologises for delays, promises sanctions as videos of pupils writing with candles spark outrage.
The Imo State Government has announced an investigation into the chaotic conduct of the 2026 Common Entrance and First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) examinations after widespread public outrage over delays that forced hundreds of pupils to sit for the examinations late into the night in parts of the state.
The controversy erupted after videos circulated widely on social media showing primary school pupils writing their examinations under candlelight as late as 8 p.m. on Friday, July 17, while anxious parents and other residents struggled to provide makeshift lighting for the children. The footage triggered criticism from residents, civil society groups and education stakeholders, who questioned the planning and supervision of the examinations.
Reports from some affected communities also indicated that parents resorted to photocopying examination question papers after delays and confusion disrupted the exercise. Witnesses said the unusual situation reflected the level of disorganisation that characterised the conduct of the examinations in some centres, particularly in parts of Owerri Municipal, Owerri North and Owerri West Local Government Areas.
Responding to the backlash, the Commissioner for Primary and Secondary Education, Prof. Bernard-Thompson O. Ikegwuoha, acknowledged lapses in the conduct of the examinations and apologised to parents, candidates, guardians and other stakeholders for the disruption, risks and anxiety caused by the exercise.
In a public notification issued by the ministry, the commissioner said the Common Entrance and FSLC examinations were conducted successfully across most parts of the state but admitted that “pockets of centres” in Owerri Municipal, Owerri North and Owerri West experienced significant delays after some supervisors delivered FSLC question papers late.
Mr Ikegwuoha attributed the supervisory failure partly to his health-induced absence, saying effective oversight was compromised during the exercise. He also accused some examination supervisors of failing in their responsibilities and offering what he described as flimsy excuses, including claims that two days of rainfall delayed the movement of examination materials to affected centres.
The commissioner announced that he had resumed duty and had taken “total and absolute control” of all remaining examinations. He further disclosed that an investigative panel would be constituted immediately to determine the immediate and remote causes of the lapses and recommend disciplinary measures against those found culpable in accordance with the Public Service Rules.
“We will not tolerate any act that jeopardises the future of our children,” Mr Ikegwuoha said, describing the incidents as “totally unacceptable.” He added that the administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma condemned the negligence and remained committed to restoring public confidence in the conduct of statutory examinations in the state.
Despite the controversy, the commissioner said the examinations were eventually concluded and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a credible, timely and transparent examination process. He thanked parents and stakeholders for their patience and understanding while assuring them that measures would be taken to prevent a recurrence.
The incident has nevertheless intensified scrutiny of the state’s education management, with many residents insisting that the scenes of young pupils writing examinations with candles and parents improvising by photocopying question papers should not occur in a public examination. The government’s promised investigation is now expected to determine responsibility for the failures and recommend reforms to restore confidence in the administration of examinations in Imo State.
