Lagos postpones Wednesday BECE exams over Oro festival
July 1, 2026 9:57 am
Lagos State government logo
The Lagos State Government has postponed all Basic Education Certificate Examination papers earlier scheduled for Wednesday, July 1, 2026, following the declaration of the Oro Festival in parts of Ikorodu Division.
The state government announced the postponement in a statement posted on its official X handle on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the affected papers will now be written on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, while all other examination papers will hold on their previously scheduled dates.
Oro Festival is a patriarchal Yoruba traditional practice observed to appease deities, enforce communal justice, and cleanse towns of malevolent spirits, following a monarch’s death and involves male-only rituals and curfews where women and non-initiates must stay indoors.
How Oro tradition fuels violence, deaths, flourish amid authorities’ silence
The government said the decision followed consultations with relevant stakeholders after the declaration of the traditional festival.
“Following the declaration of the Oro Festival in parts of the Ikorodu Division on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, and after due consultation with relevant stakeholders, the State Government has approved the postponement of all BECE papers earlier scheduled for the day,” the statement read.
The Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, through the Lagos State Examinations Board, said the adjustment affects the 2026 BECE, which commenced on Monday, June 29.
It explained that the postponement was intended to ensure the safety of candidates, examination officials and other stakeholders.
“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 added.
The government advised candidates to obtain the revised examination timetable from their respective schools and prepare adequately for the rescheduled papers.
It also apologised for any inconvenience caused by the change and appealed for the understanding and cooperation of parents, guardians, school administrators, candidates and the general public.
The Lagos State Examinations Board reaffirmed its commitment to conducting credible, transparent and hitch-free examinations in line with the state’s educational objectives.
Saheed is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over two years of experience covering metro, technology, sports, politics, and human-interest stories. He focuses on producing clear, engaging reports across diverse beats. Saheed’s work reflects hands-on newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate and balanced journalism.
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