The Lagos State Government has postponed all Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) papers scheduled for Wednesday, July 1, 2026, following the declaration of the Oro Festival in parts of the Ikorodu Division.
The decision, announced in a statement published on the state’s official X account on Tuesday, affects only the examination papers initially fixed for Wednesday.
The postponed papers will now be written on Tuesday, July 7, while the remaining examination timetable remains unchanged.
According to the state government, the adjustment was approved after consultations with relevant stakeholders in response to the traditional festival, which is expected to take place in parts of Ikorodu.
The Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, through the Lagos State Examinations Board, said the 2026 BECE, which began on Monday, June 29, would continue as planned except for the affected papers.
The government explained that the postponement was a precautionary measure aimed at protecting candidates, examination officials and other stakeholders while ensuring that the conduct of the examination remains orderly and free from disruption.
“Following the declaration of the Oro Festival in parts of the Ikorodu Division on Wednesday, July 1, 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 said.
It added that the decision was taken “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”.
Lagos State government advised all affected candidates to obtain the revised examination timetable from their respective schools and make adequate preparations for the rescheduled papers.
Parents, guardians, school administrators and members of the public were urged to cooperate with the new arrangement. The state government also apologised for any inconvenience caused by the postponement and appealed for understanding.
The Lagos State Examinations Board reiterated its commitment to organising credible, transparent and hitch-free examinations in line with the state’s education objectives.
The Oro Festival is a traditional Yoruba cultural observance conducted exclusively by initiated men. The festival is commonly held to honour deities, cleanse communities and enforce traditional customs, often requiring women and non-initiates to remain indoors during designated periods.
