Lawmakers issue 24-hour deadline to WAEC over SSCE exam issues
The House of Representatives Committee responsible for Basic Education and Examination Bodies has given the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) 24 hours to appear before it and address rising concerns about irregularities in the current Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).
The Committee’s Chairman, Hon. Oboku Abonsizibe Oforji, shared this in a statement on Thursday, expressing serious dissatisfaction with WAEC for not responding to a prior invitation meant to address problems affecting the integrity and organisation of the examinations.
Oforji explained that the Committee had called WAEC to a hearing planned for Thursday, May 29, 2025, due to several complaints received from the public. He noted that the invitation had been extended on Tuesday, May 27, but WAEC did not show up and gave no explanation.
“‘The Committee is deeply concerned by widespread irregularities reported across examination centres,’” Oforji said. “‘We’ve received disturbing accounts of students sitting for exams as late as midnight in some locations. This is completely unacceptable.’”
He pointed out that WAEC’s refusal to attend the hearing is a major lapse, especially at a moment when the credibility of national exams is under scrutiny.
The Committee has now ordered WAEC to appear within 24 hours or risk further action from the legislature.
“‘The House felt it necessary to summon WAEC to explain these developments and the trauma candidates are currently facing. However, WAEC responded this morning, saying they couldn’t appear due to their involvement in the ongoing exams. Ironically, this is the very reason we are asking them to appear.’”
Oforji stressed that the Committee expects WAEC to attend the hearing on Friday, warning that failure to do so will force lawmakers to use their constitutional authority to ensure WAEC complies.
He stated, “‘Our intention is not to witch-hunt WAEC, but to seek answers that will calm public tension and prevent a recurrence of these challenges. WAEC has been conducting exams for decades, and we have never experienced this level of disorganisation’”
“‘Something is wrong, and it must be addressed. The Committee has therefore resolved that WAEC must appear unfailingly on Friday, May 30, 2025, or face legislative sanctions in accordance with the powers vested in us by the Constitution.’”
