WAEC Candidates in confusion as IPOB plans May 30 Sit at home order 

 

As the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) continues across Nigeria, growing concerns have emerged among students and parents in the South-East following the Indigenous People of Biafra’s (IPOB) declaration of a total sit-at-home order on May 30, 2025.

The group, through its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, announced that the day will serve as this year’s Biafra Heroes Memorial Day, and all residents are expected to observe a strict lockdown from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

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The directive has raised alarms over potential disruption to WASSCE, with fears that candidates may either miss their scheduled exams or be forced into rescheduling. While IPOB noted that it has officially communicated with WAEC to allow for adjustments, uncertainty still looms among students, teachers, and school administrators.

This is particularly sensitive as WASSCE is a pivotal exam for senior secondary school students, determining both academic progress and access to higher education.

A Day to Honour Biafran Heroes

 

According to IPOB, the sit-at-home is not merely a protest but a solemn memorial tribute. The day is set aside annually to honour Biafran men and women who lost their lives during the Nigerian Civil War. IPOB began public awareness campaigns on May 1 through Radio Biafra and other channels, urging the public to observe the order peacefully.

“This lockdown is not for protest, it is for remembrance,” IPOB stated. “We are calling on all our people to stay indoors in honour of our fallen heroes and heroines.”

IPOB emphasized that the sit-at-home order is mandatory across the South-East, with limited exemptions granted only to

Businesses, schools, transport operators, and residents are expected to comply fully, barring essential duties.

While IPOB members abroad are planning coordinated protests to demand the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the group has confirmed that no protests will take place within Nigeria due to heightened security concerns. This decision is intended to prevent confrontations or violence during the lockdown period.

With the date fast approaching, WAEC candidates in the South-East are anxiously awaiting official guidance from exam authorities. Whether the exam body will reschedule affected papers remains to be seen. Meanwhile, calls are growing for a peaceful resolution that balances cultural observance with the educational needs of students.