The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies on Monday delivered a scathing rebuke to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) over widespread irregularities and operational lapses that marred the 2025 Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination.
During an investigative hearing at the National Assembly, lawmakers interrogated the Head of WAEC Nigeria, Dr. Amos Dangut, citing serious concerns over what they described as systemic failures that have severely undermined public trust in Nigeria’s examination system.
The examination body has come under intense scrutiny following numerous reports from across the country of logistical breakdowns, security breaches, and poor coordination that disrupted the integrity of the exam process.
Parents, students, and education stakeholders have voiced growing frustration, calling for urgent reforms to salvage the credibility of WAEC’s operations.
Chairing the session, Hon. Oforji Oboku (PDP, Yenagoa/Opokuma, Bayelsa State) condemned the council’s handling of the exams, while praising his colleagues for attending the emergency oversight hearing despite the House being on recess.
“This session represents our firm commitment to restore dignity and credibility to Nigeria’s examination system,” Oboku said. “On behalf of the committee, I tender an unreserved apology to Nigerian parents, guardians, and candidates who endured the chaos of the last exam cycle. We are determined to ensure such failures never repeat.”
Referring to a prior meeting with WAEC on May 30, Oboku expressed shock at revelations that students in some centres were forced to write exams late at night, using torchlights due to poor planning.
“It is indefensible that in 2025, students are sitting for exams at 11 p.m. under torchlight. This isn’t just a logistical failure—it’s a collapse of leadership,” he stated.
Though Oboku clarified that the investigation was not a witch-hunt, he stressed the need for accountability and systemic reform.
“We must uncover the root causes of these persistent failures and ensure those responsible are held accountable.”
The session grew tense as lawmakers openly expressed anger over what they called WAEC’s recurring negligence. One visibly frustrated lawmaker shouted, “Admit your failure to the Nigerian people. If you need to cry, cry. But after that, resign.”
Criticism also mounted over Dr. Dangut’s claim that WAEC would implement computer-based testing (CBT) nationwide by 2026. Lawmakers dismissed the proposal as unrealistic.
“You talk about CBT, yet many local governments lack even one functional CBT centre,” Oboku said. “That’s like owning a car and a driver but having no road—it’s fantasy, not readiness.”
The committee proposed a national education summit to assess the real condition of secondary school infrastructure across Nigeria, warning that the damage to WAEC’s reputation was now felt across the West African subregion.
Dr. Dangut attempted to defend the council, citing security concerns and unforeseen logistical hurdles. However, lawmakers repeatedly cut him off, rejecting his explanations as inadequate and unsatisfactory.
In its resolutions, the committee mandated WAEC to submit:
- A full audit of its digital infrastructure, with emphasis on underserved areas;
- A detailed roadmap for CBT implementation;
- Its complete operational guidelines; and
- All reports related to examination paper leakages.
In his closing remarks, Oboku stated, “This is a defining moment for our education system. We must demand competence, integrity, and reform. Education is too important to be left to chance. The future of our children—and our nation—is on the line.”
