The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), demanding its appearance before the committee on Friday, May 30, 2025, amid mounting concerns over the ongoing Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).
This directive was given on Thursday by the committee chairman, Hon. Oboku Abonsizibe Oforji, following WAEC’s failure to honour an earlier invitation to address lawmakers.
According to Oforji, WAEC was initially summoned to respond to widespread complaints and reported irregularities that have marred the conduct of the examinations nationwide.
In a statement, he noted that WAEC had been invited on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, to clarify several pressing issues affecting the smooth running of the SSCE.
He expressed dismay over WAEC’s absence during the scheduled hearing on Thursday, May 29, describing the development as unacceptable given the volume of public concern.
“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.
“The House deemed it necessary to summon WAEC to explain these developments and the trauma candidates are currently facing. 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.”
Oforji stressed that the committee expects WAEC to appear without fail on Friday and warned that any further refusal would compel the House to exercise its constitutional authority.
“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,” he added.
“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.”
