Abuja, Nigeria — The House of Representatives has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to appear before it, following growing concerns over alleged irregularities in the ongoing Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).
The directive came on Thursday from Hon. Oboku Abonsizibe Oforji, Chairman of the House Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies, after WAEC failed to honour a prior invitation to brief lawmakers on pressing issues surrounding the conduct of the exams.
According to Oforji, the Committee had written to WAEC on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, seeking explanations for multiple reports of disorganisation, delays, and logistical lapses plaguing the examinations across the country.
He expressed strong dissatisfaction with WAEC’s absence during the scheduled hearing on Thursday, May 29, despite the urgency of the matter. “It is deeply troubling that WAEC failed to appear when there’s so much unrest concerning their operations. This level of irregularity is unprecedented,” Oforji said.
Citing disturbing reports, the lawmaker revealed that candidates in some centres were made to write exams as late as midnight, an issue that has triggered widespread complaints and anxiety among students and parents alike.
“WAEC informed us just this morning that they couldn’t attend due to their ongoing coordination of the exams — ironically, that is the very reason we summoned them,” Oforji noted.
He stressed that the Committee expects WAEC to appear on Friday, May 30, 2025, and warned that failure to do so will leave the House no choice but to invoke its constitutional powers to enforce compliance.
“We are not out to target WAEC unfairly,” he clarified, “but we must get to the root of these issues and restore public confidence. WAEC has a long-standing history, yet this year’s SSCE has exposed serious gaps that must be addressed to avoid future occurrences.”
The Committee concluded by reiterating its resolve: WAEC must present itself within the stipulated time or face legislative consequences.
By Taiwo Olatinwo | May 29, 2025
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