The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies on Monday reprimanded the management of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), citing widespread irregularities and operational shortcomings that marred the 2025 Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE).
During an investigative hearing at the National Assembly, lawmakers questioned Dr. Amos Dangut, Head of WAEC Nigeria, regarding alleged systemic failures that have eroded public confidence in Nigeria’s examination process
At the session’s commencement, Rep. Oforji Oboku, the Committee Chairman (PDP, Yenagoa/Opokuma Federal Constituency, Bayelsa State), expressed dismay at WAEC’s performance.
He also commended his fellow lawmakers for prioritizing the oversight meeting despite Parliament being in recess.
He said: “This gathering underscores our shared determination to restore dignity and credibility to our examination system.
“On behalf of this committee, I extend an unreserved apology to Nigerian parents, guardians and candidates who endured the chaos of the recent examination cycle. We are committed to ensuring that this never recurs.”
Recalling an earlier meeting with WAEC on May 30, Oboku described as appalling the revelations that students in several examination centres were forced to sit for the examination under extreme conditions, including late-night sessions lit by torch lights.
He said: “It is unacceptable that in 2025, students are sitting for exams at 11 pm under torchlight. This is not merely a logistical failure, but a leadership failure.”
The Bayelsa lawmaker stressed that although the committee’s investigation was not a witch-hunt, they remained resolute in uncovering the council’s inefficiency roots.
“We must identify the underlying causes of these recurring failures, address them decisively and hold those responsible accountable.”
The session quickly erupted into chaos as lawmakers vehemently expressed their outrage, citing WAEC’s perceived “habitual negligence” and “lack of preparedness.”
“Admit your failure to the Nigerian people,” an unidentified lawmaker exclaimed. If you need to cry, do so, but when you are done, tender your resignation.”
The lawmakers also criticised Dr Dangut’s claim that WAEC would establish computer-based testing centres nationwide by 2026.
“You speak of CBT readiness, yet many local governments lack a single CBT centre. That is akin to saying you own a car and a driver, but there is no road. It is fantasy, not capability,” Oboku remarked.
The committee advocated for a national education summit to evaluate the actual state of secondary school infrastructure nationwide.
Beyond infrastructure, committee members expressed concern about the reputational harm Nigeria has endured across West Africa due to WAEC’s shortcomings.
Defending the council, Dr Dangut cited unforeseen logistical hurdles and insecurity in certain regions.
However, his explanations were repeatedly interjected, with lawmakers dismissing the excuses as insufficient and unacceptable
Following the session, the committee adopted a resolution mandating the West African Examinations Council to provide a comprehensive audit of its digital infrastructure, particularly in underserved areas, and a detailed roadmap regarding its CBT readiness.
The committee also instructed the council to submit to the National Assembly its full operational guidelines and all reports pertaining to examination paper leaks.
In his remarks, Oforji said: “This is a pivotal moment. We must demand competence, honesty and reform. Education is too vital to be governed by trial and error. The future of our children and our nation hangs in the balance.”
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