Education
Lagos Postpones BECE Exams in Ikorodu Over Oro Festival Curfew
The Lagos State Government has rescheduled all Basic Education Certificate Examination, BECE, papers planned for Wednesday, July 1, 2026, in Ikorodu Division due to the Oro Festival.
The announcement was made on Tuesday via the government’s official X handle.
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According to the statement, the affected papers will now be taken on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. All other BECE papers will go ahead as originally planned.
The Oro Festival is a traditional Yoruba rite performed to honour deities, maintain communal order and cleanse communities after the passing of a monarch. It involves male-only rituals and a curfew that restricts women and non-initiates from going out.
Lagos said the decision followed talks with key stakeholders after the festival was declared in parts of Ikorodu.
“Following the Oro Festival declaration in parts of Ikorodu on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, and after consultations, the state government has approved the postponement of all BECE papers scheduled for that day,” the statement said.
The Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, through the Examinations Board, noted that the 2026 BECE started on Monday, June 29. It said the shift was to protect candidates, invigilators and other officials.
“This precautionary step is to ensure the safety of everyone involved and to allow the exams to run smoothly without disruption,” it added.
Candidates were advised to collect the updated timetable from their schools and prepare for the new dates.
The government also apologised for any inconvenience and urged parents, guardians, schools and the public to cooperate.
The Examinations Board restated its commitment to running credible, transparent and orderly exams in line with Lagos’ education goals.
