The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies has given the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) a 24-hour ultimatum to appear before it on Friday, May 30, 2025, amid growing concerns over irregularities during the ongoing Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).
The Committee Chairman, Hon. Oboku Abonsizibe Oforji, issued the ultimatum on Thursday after WAEC failed to honour a previous invitation to explain issues disrupting the nationwide exams.
Oforji expressed serious concern over reports of exam irregularities, including students reportedly writing exams as late as midnight in some centres.
The Committee had reportedly summoned WAEC earlier in the week, on Tuesday, May 27, to clarify these problems, but the Council did not attend the scheduled meeting on Thursday.
“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 said. “The House deemed it necessary to summon WAEC to explain these developments and the trauma candidates are 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 stated that the Committee’s aim is not to witch-hunt WAEC but to find solutions that will calm public anxiety and prevent future disruptions.
“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 said. “Something is wrong, and it needs urgent attention.”
He warned that if WAEC fails to appear on Friday, the House will be forced to use its constitutional powers to compel their attendance.
“WAEC must appear without fail on Friday, May 30, 2025, or face legislative sanctions as provided by the Constitution,” Oforji added.
