The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies has given the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) a 24-hour deadline to appear before it on Friday, May 30, 2025, amid escalating concerns over irregularities in the ongoing Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).
Committee Chairman Hon. Oboku Abonsizibe Oforji issued the ultimatum on Thursday after WAEC failed to respond to an earlier invitation to address disruptions affecting the nationwide exams.
Oforji voiced deep concern over reports of exam malpractice, including incidents where students were allegedly sitting for exams as late as midnight in certain centres.
The Committee had summoned WAEC earlier on Tuesday, May 27, to provide clarification on these issues, but the Council did not attend the scheduled meeting on Thursday.
“The examinations have been riddled with serious irregularities. We’ve received reports of students writing exams as late as midnight in some centres across the country”
“The House deemed it necessary to summon WAEC to explain these developments and the trauma candidates are facing. Ironically, WAEC responded this morning, saying they couldn’t appear due to their involvement in the exams. But that is precisely why we need them here.” Oforji said.
“Our intention is not to witch-hunt WAEC but to seek answers that will calm public anxiety and ensure these challenges don’t recur. WAEC has conducted exams for decades, yet we have never experienced this level of disorganization,” he said. “Something is wrong, and it needs urgent attention.”
“WAEC must appear without fail on Friday, May 30, 2025, or face legislative sanctions as provided by the Constitution,” Oforji added.
