The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies has criticized the West African Examinations Council WAEC for widespread irregularities and operational failures during the 2025 Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination. At an investigative hearing, lawmakers grilled WAEC's Head, Dr. Amos Dangut, over systemic lapses that have eroded public trust in Nigeria's examination process.
Committee's Concerns 👇🏾
The committee expressed deep concerns over logistical lapses, security issues, and poor management that undermined the integrity of the exam process. Lawmakers described as "appalling" the revelations that students in several centers were forced to sit for exams under extreme conditions, including late-night sessions lit by torchlights.
Call for Reforms 🤙
The committee chairman, Oforji Oboku, emphasized the need for urgent reforms to restore public confidence and ensure a fair, transparent examination system. He called for a national education summit to assess the state of secondary school infrastructure across the country.
WAEC's Defense 👇🏾
Dr. Dangut cited unforeseen logistical challenges and insecurity in parts of the country, but lawmakers dismissed these excuses as inadequate. The committee passed a resolution compelling WAEC to submit a comprehensive audit of its digital infrastructure and a detailed roadmap on its computer-based testing readiness.
Committee's Resolution 👇🏾
The committee directed WAEC to furnish the National Assembly with its full operational guidelines and reports relating to examination paper leakages. In his closing remarks, Oboku emphasized the need for competence, honesty, and reform in education, stating that "the future of our children, and our nation, is at stake."