The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies has openly condemned the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) over widespread operational failures and irregularities during the 2025 Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE).
During a heated investigative session at the National Assembly on Monday, lawmakers did not hold back in expressing their frustration over the exam body’s handling of this year’s examination process. The committee accused WAEC of systemic lapses and operational negligence that have significantly damaged public confidence in Nigeria’s examination system.
The backlash comes in the wake of multiple reports detailing irregularities, logistical setbacks, security breaches, and poor planning that marred the conduct of the exams. Concerned stakeholders — including parents, students, and education experts — have since demanded immediate reforms to restore the credibility of national assessments.
In his opening remarks, the committee chairman, Oforji Oboku (PDP, Yenagoa/Opokuma, Bayelsa State), issued a stern rebuke of WAEC’s performance. Oboku commended fellow lawmakers for prioritizing the oversight meeting even though the National Assembly was officially on recess.
“This gathering reflects our collective resolve to restore dignity and credibility to our examination system,” Oboku declared. “On behalf of this committee, I offer an unreserved apology to Nigerian parents, guardians, and candidates who suffered the chaos of the last examination cycle. We are committed to ensuring this never happens again.”
Oboku referenced a prior meeting with WAEC on May 30, where disturbing accounts emerged of students being made to write exams late into the night under torchlight in several centres.
“It is unacceptable that in 2025, students are sitting for exams at 11 pm under torchlight. This is not just a failure of logistics, it is a failure of leadership,” Oboku declared, describing the ordeal as “appalling.”
While maintaining that the inquiry wasn’t a witch-hunt, Oboku emphasized the need to trace the roots of WAEC’s persistent inefficiencies and to hold those responsible accountable.
As the hearing progressed, tempers flared among lawmakers frustrated with what they described as WAEC’s long-standing negligence. At one point, an unidentified legislator erupted in anger, declaring, “Admit your failure to the Nigerian people. If you need to cry, go ahead. But when you’re done, tender your resignation.”
Another bone of contention was the WAEC Head, Dr Amos Dangut’s, claim that the council intended to implement nationwide computer-based testing (CBT) centres by 2026.
Oboku was quick to criticize the promise, saying, “You talk of CBT readiness, yet many local governments lack a single CBT centre. That’s like saying you own a car and a driver, but there’s no road. It’s fantasy, not capacity.”
Beyond the grilling, the committee called for a national education summit to examine the state of secondary school infrastructure nationwide. Lawmakers also expressed concern over the reputational damage Nigeria has suffered within the West African sub-region as a result of WAEC’s operational shortcomings.
While attempting to defend the council, Dangut blamed the problems on unforeseen logistical issues and insecurity in several regions. However, lawmakers were unimpressed, frequently cutting him off and dismissing his justifications as inadequate.
By the end of the tense session, the committee passed a resolution compelling WAEC to submit a full audit of its digital infrastructure, particularly in underserved areas, and a clear plan detailing how it intends to achieve CBT readiness by its proposed deadline.
The council was also directed to forward all documentation relating to examination paper leakages and its operational guidelines to the National Assembly.
In his closing remarks, Oboku underlined the urgent need to overhaul Nigeria’s education management system. “This is a defining moment. We must insist on competence, honesty, and reform. Education is too critical to be managed by trial and error. The future of our children, and our nation, is at stake,” he said.
