The Lagos State Government has postponed all Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) papers earlier scheduled for Wednesday, July 1, 2026, following the declaration of the Oro Festival in parts of the Ikorodu Division.

The decision was announced on Tuesday in a statement published on the official X handle of the Lagos State Government.

According to the statement, all affected examination papers have been rescheduled to Tuesday, July 7, 2026, while other papers in the ongoing examination will proceed according to the original timetable.

The annual Basic Education Certificate Examination, organised by the Lagos State Examinations Board under the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, commenced on Monday, June 29, 2026.

Explaining the reason for the adjustment, the state government said the decision followed consultations with relevant stakeholders and was taken to protect candidates, examination officials and other participants.

“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 read.

The government noted that the postponement was a precautionary measure aimed at ensuring the examination is conducted in a peaceful and secure environment.

“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.

The Oro Festival is a traditional Yoruba religious observance celebrated in some communities to honour ancestral deities, enforce communal customs and perform spiritual rites. The festival is characterised by male-only rituals and restrictions on public movement, particularly for women and non-initiates, in affected areas during designated periods.

The Lagos State Government advised candidates to obtain the revised examination timetable from their respective schools and prepare for the rescheduled papers accordingly.

It also appealed to parents, guardians, school administrators and the general public for understanding, expressing regret over any inconvenience the postponement may cause.

The Lagos State Examinations Board reaffirmed its commitment to conducting credible, transparent and hitch-free examinations while prioritising the safety and welfare of all stakeholders.