The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies has strongly criticized the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) for widespread irregularities and operational failures during the 2025 Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE).
At an investigative hearing, members of the committee questioned WAEC’s Head, Dr. Amos Dangut, over what they described as systemic lapses that have significantly eroded public trust in Nigeria’s examination process.
Key Concerns Raised by the Committee
The committee expressed serious concerns regarding logistical shortcomings, security challenges, and poor management, all of which they said compromised the integrity of the examination process. Lawmakers described as “appalling” reports that students in several examination centers were forced to write papers under extreme conditions, including late-night sessions illuminated by torchlights.
Call for Urgent Reforms
Committee Chairman, Hon. Oforji Oboku, stressed the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to restore public confidence and ensure a fair, transparent examination system. He called for the convening of a national education summit to evaluate the current state of secondary school infrastructure across the country.
WAEC’s Response
In his defense, Dr. Dangut cited unforeseen logistical hurdles and security concerns in some regions. However, lawmakers dismissed these explanations as insufficient and demanded greater accountability.
Committee Resolutions
The committee passed a resolution directing WAEC to submit a comprehensive audit of its digital infrastructure and a detailed plan for transitioning to computer-based testing. Additionally, WAEC is required to provide the National Assembly with its complete operational guidelines and all reports related to examination paper leakages.
In his closing remarks, Hon. Oboku emphasized the importance of competence, transparency, and reform in the education sector, stating that “the future of our children, and our nation, is at stake.”