The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to appear before it on Friday, May 30, 2025, over widespread complaints concerning the ongoing Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).
The directive came after WAEC failed to honour an earlier invitation to appear before the committee, despite growing national outrage over irregularities plaguing the exam.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Oboku Abonsizibe Oforji, said WAEC was summoned to clarify serious issues, including students writing exams at midnight, postponements, and alleged leakages of exam materials.
“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 stated.
He added that WAEC had been formally invited on May 27, but failed to attend the scheduled hearing on May 29, calling the absence “unacceptable” and a sign of negligence at a time of public concern.
Oforji warned that if WAEC fails to appear on Friday, the House would invoke its constitutional authority to enforce compliance:
“Our intention is not to witch-hunt WAEC but to get answers that will calm public anxiety. WAEC has conducted exams for decades, yet we have never experienced this level of disorganization. Something is clearly wrong and must be addressed.”
He emphasized that the House is committed to ensuring accountability and restoring confidence in Nigeria’s examination system.
