Lagos postpones Wednesday BECE papers over Oro Festival

The Lagos State Government has postponed all Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) papers earlier scheduled for Wednesday, July 1, following the declaration of the Oro Festival in parts of Ikorodu Division.

In a statement shared on X on Tuesday, the government announced that the affected examination papers will now be written on Tuesday, July 7.

It added that every other BECE paper will proceed according to the existing examination timetable.

The government explained that the decision was taken after consultations with relevant stakeholders and was made to safeguard the well-being of candidates, examination officials, and all others involved in the conduct of the examinations.

The Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, through the Lagos State Examinations Board, said the 2026 BECE, which commenced on Monday, June 29, would continue uninterrupted except for the affected papers.

“This decision has been taken as a precautionary measure to safeguard the lives of candidates, examination personnel and other stakeholders, as well as to ensure the smooth and orderly conduct of the examination without disruption,” the statement said.

Candidates have been advised to obtain the revised examination timetable from their respective schools and prepare for the rescheduled papers on July 7.

The government apologised for any inconvenience caused by the adjustment and appealed to parents, guardians, school administrators, candidates and the public for their understanding and cooperation.

The Lagos State Examinations Board reaffirmed its commitment to conducting credible, transparent and hitch-free examinations in line with the state’s educational objectives.

The Oro Festival is a traditional Yoruba religious observance marked by male-only rites and temporary movement restrictions in affected communities. It is traditionally held to honour deities, maintain communal order and observe customary practices.