Nigeria has suspended ongoing national examination for final year students in secondary schools amidst violent clashes between anti-police brutality protesters and security forces in the country.

The commercial hub, Lagos, and other parts of the country have seen buildings torched, shopping centres looted and prisons attacked since Tuesday's shooting of protesters.

The National Examination Council (Neco) said the decision to suspend the examinations was also due to round-the-clock curfew imposed by some state governors.

The council has directed examiners to return to their stations and await further instructions.

The Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) determines transition to universities and institutions of higher learning.

An official of the examining body told the BBC that the exams would resume in mid-November.

On Thursday, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari urged protesters to stop demonstrating and instead engage with the government "in finding solutions".

Amnesty International said at least 12 people were killed by soldiers and police in Lagos on Tuesday.