The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies held a tense session on Monday as they questioned the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) over serious flaws in the 2025 Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination.
During the hearing at the National Assembly complex, lawmakers expressed frustration with what they called repeated failures and poor management by WAEC. Leading the charge was the committee chairman, Oforji Oboku, who did not hide his disappointment with the way the exams were conducted.
Oboku, who represents the Yenagoa/Opokuma Federal Constituency in Bayelsa State, opened the meeting by commending his colleagues for attending despite the parliament being on break. He said the meeting showed how determined they were to fix the broken examination system.
“This gathering reflects our collective resolve to restore dignity and credibility to our examination system,” he said.
He apologized on behalf of the committee to all Nigerian families who had to endure the chaos of the last exam period. He also reminded WAEC of a previous meeting held on May 30, where disturbing issues were raised—such as students being forced to write exams as late as 11 PM with only torchlights to guide them.
“It is unacceptable that in 2025, students are sitting for exams at 11 PM under torchlight. This is not just a failure of logistics, it is a failure of leadership,” Oboku said.
Despite noting that the hearing was not a witch-hunt, Oboku said the committee would investigate until they understood the root of the problems. Other lawmakers backed him, calling WAEC’s actions a clear case of neglect and unpreparedness.
Tempers flared when WAEC’s Head in Nigeria, Dr. Amos Dangut, gave what many lawmakers saw as weak explanations. Some even shouted at him, demanding he admit failure and step down.
“Admit your failure to the Nigerian people,” one lawmaker yelled. “If you need to cry, go ahead. But when you’re done, tender your resignation.”
The lawmakers also questioned WAEC’s plan to start computer-based testing (CBT) across Nigeria by 2026. Oboku responded sharply, saying many rural areas still don’t have the basic facilities to support such a move.
“You talk of CBT readiness, yet many local governments lack a single CBT centre. That’s like saying you own a car and a driver, but there’s no road. It’s fantasy, not capacity,” he said.
Lawmakers agreed that Nigeria’s reputation in the West African region has taken a hit because of these repeated failures. They recommended a national education summit to take a hard look at the real conditions of secondary schools.
Although Dr. Dangut tried to defend WAEC, citing security issues and logistics as obstacles, his comments were often interrupted by lawmakers who found his justifications lacking.
The committee ended the hearing by passing a resolution. WAEC must now submit a full audit of its digital systems, especially in areas with poor infrastructure. The council is also required to present its exam leak investigation reports and its official operational procedures to the National Assembly.
Oboku closed the session by stating, “This is a defining moment. We must insist on competence, honesty, and reform. Education is too critical to be managed by trial and error. The future of our children, and our nation, is at stake.”
