Nigeria has suspended the national examination for final year high school students. This follows violent clashes between anti-police brutality protesters and security forces. The Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) determines whether a learner can gain entrance to universities and institutions of higher learning.

Since peaceful protestors were shot earlier this week, buildings in Lagos have been torched, shopping centers looted, and prisons have been attacked. Similar incidents have taken place in other parts of the country. According to the BBC, Amnesty International has reported the deaths of at least 12 people killed by soldiers and police in Lagos on Tuesday.

A 24-hour curfew imposed by some state governors led to the National Examination Council (Neco) postponing the exams. Examiners are awaiting further instructions. The BBC reports that officials say exams are to resume in mid-November.

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, meanwhile, has urged protesters to stop demonstrating. He says protestors should instead engage with the government in ‘finding solutions’.

Umm Muhammed Umar