The Lagos State Government has postponed the Basic Education Certificate Examination papers earlier scheduled for Wednesday, July 1, following the declaration of the Oro Festival in some communities within the Ikorodu Division.
The affected examination papers will now be written on Tuesday, July 7, while every other paper on the examination timetable will continue as originally planned.
The announcement was made in a statement shared on Tuesday through the official communication channels of the state government. According to the statement, the decision followed consultations with relevant stakeholders and was taken to protect the safety of candidates, examination officials and everyone involved in the exercise.
The Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, through the Lagos State Examinations Board, confirmed that the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination, which began on Monday, June 29, will continue without interruption except for the papers affected by the adjustment.
The government explained that the change was made as a precaution to ensure the security of candidates and examination personnel while allowing the examination to proceed in an orderly and peaceful manner.
Students have been advised to obtain the updated examination timetable from their respective schools and make adequate preparations for the rescheduled papers on July 7.
The state government also expressed regret over any inconvenience the adjustment may cause and appealed to parents, guardians, school administrators, candidates and members of the public for their understanding and cooperation.
The Lagos State Examinations Board reaffirmed its commitment to organising credible, transparent and smooth examinations that align with the state’s educational standards and objectives.
Zoyols News reports that the Oro Festival is a traditional religious observance among the Yoruba people. The festival is known for its sacred rites, which are reserved for men, and is often accompanied by temporary restrictions on movement within affected communities. It is traditionally observed to honour deities, preserve community order and uphold long standing cultural customs.
