 over widespread irregularities and mismanagement during the 2025 Senior Secondary Certificate Examination.){kind=link}
Members of the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies on Monday expressed strong dissatisfaction with the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) over widespread irregularities and mismanagement during the 2025 Senior Secondary Certificate Examination.
At a heated investigative hearing held at the National Assembly, lawmakers interrogated WAEC’s Nigeria Head, Dr. Amos Dangut, over what they described as systemic failures that have shaken public confidence in the credibility of the country’s exam system.
The committee’s inquiry comes in the wake of mounting complaints from students, parents, and education stakeholders about poor planning, logistical lapses, and security concerns that marred the conduct of the examination nationwide.
Opening the session, committee chairman Hon. Oforji Oboku (PDP, Yenagoa/Opokuma, Bayelsa State) criticized the council’s performance and commended fellow lawmakers for prioritizing the oversight function despite the legislative recess.
“This session signals our collective determination to restore credibility to our national examination system,” Oboku said.
“To every Nigerian family affected by the disarray during the last WAEC exams, we extend our heartfelt apologies. We will ensure such a breakdown does not happen again.”
Oboku also referenced an earlier meeting with WAEC held on May 30, where it was revealed that some candidates had to sit for exams as late as 11 p.m., relying on torchlights due to poor organization at certain centres.
“It is unacceptable that in this modern era, students are writing exams at night using flashlights. This goes beyond logistics—it reflects a breakdown in leadership,” he said.
While Oboku clarified that the probe was not intended as a witch-hunt, he stressed the need to uncover the root causes of WAEC’s operational failings and take corrective action.
Tensions ran high during the session as lawmakers voiced their frustrations, accusing WAEC of negligence and failing to plan adequately for the nationwide exams.
At one point, a visibly angry lawmaker shouted, “Accept responsibility before the Nigerian people. If you must cry, do it. But after that, step down.”
Dr. Dangut’s proposal to introduce computer-based testing (CBT) across the country by 2026 was also met with skepticism.
Lawmakers questioned the feasibility of the plan, pointing out the lack of CBT infrastructure in many local governments.
“You talk of CBT, but some LGAs don’t even have one centre. That’s like owning a car and a driver, but no road to drive on. It’s not planning—it’s wishful thinking,” Oboku said.
The committee called for a national summit to evaluate the actual condition of secondary school facilities nationwide, and also raised concerns about how WAEC’s shortcomings have affected Nigeria’s image in the West African subregion.
Dr. Dangut, in his defense, cited logistical difficulties and insecurity as key challenges that hampered the conduct of the exams.
However, his explanations were frequently interrupted, as lawmakers insisted the excuses did not justify the level of failure experienced.
Following deliberations, the committee directed WAEC to submit a detailed audit of its digital infrastructure, especially in rural areas, along with a concrete implementation plan for CBT nationwide. WAEC was also instructed to provide its full operational manual and all records related to examination paper leakages.
In his concluding remarks, Oboku stressed the need for competence and transparency in managing the education system.
“This is a turning point. We must demand accountability and meaningful reform. Education is far too important to be left to chance. Our children’s future—and our country’s future—depend on it,” he said.