The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies has strongly criticised the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) over major disruptions and systemic failures during the 2025 Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination.
At a heated investigative hearing on Monday, lawmakers interrogated WAEC Nigeria’s Head, Dr. Amos Dangut, over widespread logistical issues, security lapses, and poor coordination that plagued the examination nationwide—issues that stakeholders say have severely damaged the credibility of the exam process.
Committee Chairman, Hon. Oforji Oboku (PDP, Bayelsa), described WAEC’s performance as a “failure of leadership,” citing disturbing reports of students writing exams as late as 11 p.m. under torchlight in several centres. He offered an apology to affected candidates and families, pledging the committee’s commitment to restoring public trust in Nigeria’s examination system.
While stressing that the probe was not a witch-hunt, Oboku said the committee would identify the root causes of the dysfunction and hold those responsible accountable. Lawmakers voiced strong displeasure at what they termed WAEC’s habitual negligence and demanded structural reforms.
WAEC’s proposed transition to computer-based testing (CBT) by 2026 was met with skepticism. Lawmakers questioned the feasibility, pointing out the absence of functional CBT centres in many local governments.
Dr. Dangut cited insecurity and unforeseen logistical challenges as major setbacks, but his explanations were repeatedly interrupted and dismissed as inadequate.
The committee resolved that WAEC must submit:
- A full audit of its digital infrastructure
- A roadmap for CBT implementation
- All operational guidelines and documentation related to recent exam leakages
In closing, Oboku said: “This is a defining moment. We must insist on competence and reform—education is too vital to be left to guesswork. Our children’s future depends on it.”
