Abuja, Nigeria – The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies has requested a comprehensive report and operational guidelines from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) over the conduct of the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
This resolution followed the adoption of a motion by Rep. Mary Ibikake (PDP-Bayelsa) during an investigative hearing held on Monday in Abuja. The hearing was convened in response to widespread complaints and irregularities during the examination, including reports that some candidates were forced to write the English Language paper as late as 9 p.m., in poorly lit environments.
Chairman of the committee, Rep. Oboku Oforji (PDP-Bayelsa), said the situation had triggered nationwide outrage and demanded accountability from WAEC.
“This committee wants to know what went wrong. Parents and Nigerians deserve answers,” Oforji said. “Funds were appropriated by the National Assembly for the proper conduct of these exams, and we cannot overlook the disservice done to the affected students.”
He emphasized that the committee’s goal was not punitive but corrective, aiming to identify both immediate and underlying causes of the failure to prevent future occurrences.
Responding to the concerns, the Head of WAEC Nigeria, Dr. Amos Dangut, issued a formal apology to candidates, parents, and stakeholders, citing logistical challenges as the root cause of the problem.
According to Dangut, the examination body was forced to reset and print new questions after a leak was discovered—an effort that strained WAEC’s printing capacity. He noted that the council’s press was operating at only 50% capacity, necessitating the engagement of external vendors, which unfortunately led to further security breaches.
He added that paper distribution was done overnight due to delays, with some delivery vehicles breaking down in remote areas.
Dangut refuted claims that candidates were denied food and basic amenities during the delay, explaining that, in collaboration with parents and schools, alternative lighting—including rechargeable lamps, torchlights, candles, and mobile phone lights—was provided for affected students.
He assured the committee that internal investigations were ongoing, and legal action would be taken against any individuals found culpable.
To prevent future disruptions, Dangut revealed that WAEC had begun investing in upgrading its internal printing facilities to operate at full capacity.
In his ruling, Rep. Oforji urged WAEC to take urgent steps to restore public confidence, calling the incident “an embarrassing failure that must not be repeated.”
