WAEC Exams at Risk as IPOB Orders Total Lockdown on May 30 in South-East

By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu

Students preparing for WAEC in the South-East may face serious challenges as the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced a full sit-at-home on May 30, 2025.

The group said the lockdown is to honour Biafran heroes and heroines who died fighting for freedom. This will be the first lockdown of the year in the region.

IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, said in a statement that May 30 will be a public holiday and total lockdown across the South-East. He explained that the day is dedicated to remembering those who lost their lives during the Biafra-Nigeria war.

“Starting from May 1, we began awareness through Radio Biafra and other platforms. There will also be memorial lectures for Biafrans at home and abroad,” Powerful said. “May 30 is the main day of remembrance.”

He called on all Biafrans to stay indoors to honour the fallen, adding that it is a peaceful way to pay respect. He also said that Biafrans living in other countries should organise protests to demand the release of Nnamdi Kanu but warned that no protest should be held within Nigeria to avoid clashes with security forces.

Only emergency and essential workers—like doctors, nurses, police officers, journalists, and ambulance drivers—are allowed to move around from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on that day.

Regarding WAEC exams, Powerful said IPOB has already informed the examination body about the lockdown. He urged WAEC to adjust its timetable so that students in the South-East are not affected.