The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies has given the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) a strict 24-hour ultimatum to appear before it on Friday, May 30, 2025. The Committee wants WAEC to explain the numerous complaints and irregularities reported during the ongoing Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).
Oboku Oforji, chairman of the Committee, issued the warning on Thursday after WAEC failed to attend a scheduled hearing on Wednesday, May 29, despite being invited earlier. According to him, the Committee had invited WAEC on Tuesday, May 27, to clarify several issues disrupting the smooth conduct of the exams across Nigeria.
The chairman expressed disappointment with WAEC’s absence, describing it as unacceptable, especially considering the widespread public outcry over the examination process. “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,” Oforji said.
He noted that WAEC’s explanation for not attending the hearing—that they were busy managing the ongoing exams—was ironic, as it was exactly why the Committee wanted their presence. “Our intention is not to witch-hunt WAEC but to seek answers that will calm public tension and prevent a recurrence of these challenges,” he added.
The Committee chairman stressed that WAEC has been responsible for conducting these exams for decades, and it was unprecedented to witness such disorganization. “Something is clearly wrong, and it must be addressed,” he said, stressing the importance of accountability in the education sector.
Oforji warned that if WAEC failed to appear on Friday, the Committee would be forced to use the constitutional powers vested in the House of Representatives to ensure compliance. “WAEC must appear unfailingly on Friday, May 30, 2025, or face legislative sanctions,” he declared.
This latest move by the House of Representatives follows numerous reports from students, parents, and teachers about exam centres where candidates were forced to sit late into the night to complete their papers. These irregularities have raised concerns about the fairness and integrity of the SSCE, which is crucial for Nigerian students’ academic progress and future opportunities.
WAEC, responsible for administering standardized exams in Nigeria and other West African countries, has not yet publicly responded to the ultimatum but faces increasing pressure to explain the reported challenges.
The Senior School Certificate Examination is one of the most important exams for Nigerian students completing secondary school. It is used for university admission and other higher education opportunities. Therefore, any disruption or irregularity in the exam process directly affects thousands of students nationwide.
With the 24-hour deadline set by the House Committee, WAEC must now provide answers to restore confidence in the examination process or risk facing legal and legislative actions from the government.
