Lagos Reschedules BECE Exams Slated for Wednesday Due to Oro Festival Celebrations

The Lagos State Government has made the decision to postpone all Basic Education Certificate Examination papers that were initially set to take place on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, due to the Oro Festival being declared in parts of Ikorodu Division.

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This postponement was announced by the state government through a statement published on its official X handle on Tuesday, informing the public of the change in schedule.

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The affected papers will now be taken on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, while the remaining examination papers will proceed as originally planned on their previously scheduled dates.

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Oro Festival is a traditional Yoruba practice that serves to appease deities, enforce communal justice, and cleanse towns of malevolent spirits following a monarch's death, involving male-only rituals and curfews that require women and non-initiates to stay indoors.

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The government's decision to postpone the examinations came after consultations with relevant stakeholders, who were informed of the declaration of the traditional festival.

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A statement released by the government confirmed that the postponement of all BECE papers initially scheduled for Wednesday, July 1, 2026, was approved after due consultation with relevant stakeholders.

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The Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, through the Lagos State Examinations Board, announced that the adjustment would affect the 2026 BECE, which had commenced on Monday, June 29.

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The postponement was intended to ensure the safety of candidates, examination officials, and other stakeholders, providing a secure environment for the examination to take place.

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According to the statement, the decision was made as a precautionary measure to protect the lives of candidates, examination personnel, and other stakeholders, and to guarantee the smooth conduct of the examination without disruption.

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

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The government has apologized for any inconvenience caused by the change and has appealed for the understanding and cooperation of parents, guardians, school administrators, candidates, and the general public.

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