By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The Lagos State Government has postponed all Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) papers scheduled for Wednesday, 1 July, 2026 following the declaration of the Oro Festival in parts of Ikorodu Division.
The postponement, announced in a statement posted on the state’s official X handle on Tuesday, followed consultations with relevant stakeholders.
The government said the affected papers would now be written on Tuesday, 7 July, 2026, while all other examination papers would hold as scheduled.
According to the statement, the adjustment affects the 2026 BECE, which commenced on Monday, 29 June, 2026, and was approved to ensure the safety of candidates, examination officials and other stakeholders during the traditional festival.
“Following the declaration of the Oro Festival in parts of the Ikorodu Division on Wednesday,1 July 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 decision was also aimed at guaranteeing the smooth and orderly conduct of the examination.
“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.
Accordingly, the government advised candidates to obtain the revised examination timetable from their respective schools and prepare for the rescheduled papers.
It also apologised for any inconvenience caused by the change and appealed to parents, guardians, school administrators, candidates and the public for understanding and cooperation.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Examinations Board reaffirmed its commitment to conducting credible, transparent and hitch-free examinations in line with the state’s educational objectives.
The Oro Festival is a traditional Yoruba rite observed to appease deities, enforce communal justice and cleanse communities of malevolent spirits, particularly after the death of a monarch.
The festival is restricted to men and is usually accompanied by curfews requiring women and non-initiates to remain indoors.
