Reps Give WAEC 24 Hours to Explain Exam Irregularities or Face Sanctions.
Lawmakers demand answers as students face midnight exams and widespread disruptions
The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies has given the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) a strict 24-hour deadline to appear before it and answer tough questions about the ongoing Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE). This move comes after WAEC failed to show up for an earlier meeting called to address growing public complaints about the conduct of the exams.
Committee Chairman, Hon. Oboku Abonsizibe Oforji, issued the ultimatum on Thursday, May 29, 2025, expressing deep disappointment over WAEC’s absence. The lawmakers had invited WAEC to a hearing on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, to clarify several issues disrupting the exams across Nigeria. But when WAEC did not attend the scheduled hearing, Oforji described their absence as unacceptable, especially given the scale of public concern and anxiety.
According to Oforji, the Committee has received many reports of serious irregularities during the ongoing exams. Some students, he said, have been forced to write their exams as late as midnight in certain centres—a situation he called both alarming and traumatic for candidates.
“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 stated.
He added that WAEC’s reason for not appearing—that they were busy with the exams—was not acceptable. “Ironically, WAEC responded this morning, saying they couldn’t appear due to their involvement in the exams. But that is precisely why we need them here,” he explained.
Oforji emphasized that the Committee expects WAEC to appear without fail on Friday, May 30, 2025. He warned that if WAEC fails to comply, the House will use its constitutional powers to compel them to appear and could impose legislative sanctions.
“Our intention is not to witch-hunt WAEC but to seek answers that will calm public anxiety and ensure these challenges don’t recur. WAEC has conducted exams for decades, yet we have never experienced this level of disorganization,” Oforji said.
He concluded by stressing the urgency of the situation: “Something is clearly wrong, and it must be addressed. WAEC must appear unfailingly on Friday, May 30, 2025, or face legislative sanctions as provided by the Constitution.”
The Committee’s strong stance reflects the seriousness of the ongoing WAEC exam irregularities and the lawmakers’ determination to protect the interests of Nigerian students and restore confidence in the country’s examination system.
Stay woke. Stay tuned. Stay with AKEWE NEWS.
