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 concerns about the conduct of the ongoing Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Oboku Abonsizibe Oforji, issued the directive on Thursday following WAEC’s failure to honour an earlier summons for a hearing on the matter.
According to Oforji, the panel had invited WAEC on Tuesday, May 27, to clarify “serious complaints and irregularities” reported during the exams. However, the examination body failed to attend Thursday’s session, citing its ongoing engagement in administering the exams.
“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 in a statement. “WAEC’s absence today is unacceptable, especially considering the magnitude of public concern.”
He noted that the Committee’s objective is not to witch-hunt the examination body but to ensure accountability and restore public confidence.
“WAEC must appear unfailingly on Friday, May 30. If not, the House will invoke its constitutional powers to compel compliance,” Oforji warned.
He stressed that WAEC, as a longstanding examination institution, must urgently address the issues to prevent further disruption and trauma for candidates.
What you should know
The House Committee is investigating severe lapses in the 2025 SSCE, including delayed exam start times and logistical disarray.
WAEC now faces potential legislative sanctions if it fails to explain these irregularities before the Committee.
