Parents across Imo State have expressed outrage following the prolonged conduct of the 2026 First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) and Common Entrance examinations, which reportedly continued into the evening at several examination centres across the state.

Many pupils were still writing their examinations after 7:00 p.m. on Friday, forcing some candidates to complete the papers under poor lighting conditions after spending the entire day at their examination centres.

The First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) examination and the Common Entrance Examination are important assessments that determine pupils’ eligibility for admission into junior secondary schools. While the FSLC certifies the completion of primary education, the Common Entrance Examination is used for admission into government-owned secondary schools.

Examination Delays Frustrate Pupils and Parents

According to reports, pupils arrived at their examination centres before the scheduled 9:00 a.m. commencement despite heavy rainfall across many parts of the state.

However, the distribution of examination materials was reportedly delayed, preventing the examinations from starting on time in several centres.

Parents who remained at the centres throughout the day said they became increasingly worried as examination materials had not arrived in many schools even by late afternoon.

Some of the affected centres reportedly included Shell Camp Primary School, Kingdom Heritage Model School, World Bank Primary School and Barclays International School in Irete, where parents waited in vehicles, nearby shops and temporary shelters while their children remained in examination halls.

Parents Demand Accountability

The incident has triggered widespread criticism from parents, many of whom accused education officials of poor planning and inadequate coordination.

Several parents took to social media to express their disappointment, describing the conduct of the examinations as disorganized and stressful for young learners.

Some also called on the Imo State Government to investigate the circumstances surrounding the delays and hold those responsible accountable.

Reports of Shortage of Examination Materials

At one examination centre, parents alleged that there were insufficient question papers, forcing candidates to either share examination booklets or write the examination in different batches.

Concerned parents said the prolonged exercise subjected pupils—many of whom are under 12 years old—to unnecessary physical and emotional stress after spending long hours in cold and rainy weather without adequate rest.

They added that many children were hungry, exhausted and still had to travel long distances home after completing the examinations late in the evening.

Commissioner Declines Comment

When contacted for a reaction, the Commissioner for Primary and Secondary Education in Imo State, Bernard Ikegwuoha, declined to comment on the incident.

The development has renewed concerns about examination logistics and the need for improved planning to ensure a safe and child-friendly examination environment for primary school pupils across the state.