The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies has issued a stern 24-hour ultimatum to the West African Examinations Council, demanding its appearance before lawmakers on Friday, May 30, 2025, to address mounting concerns over the ongoing Senior School Certificate Examination.
Committee Chairman Hon. Oboku Abonsizibe Oforji announced the directive on Thursday after WAEC officials failed to honor an earlier summons. The examination body had been invited to explain widespread irregularities reported during this year’s SSCE but did not appear at the scheduled hearing on May 29.
“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 stated.
He expressed frustration at WAEC’s absence, noting that the council had cited ongoing examination activities as their reason for not attending. “Ironically, WAEC responded this morning, saying they couldn’t appear due to their involvement in the exams. But that is precisely why we need them here,” Oforji added.
The committee chairman emphasized the urgency of the situation, warning that legislative sanctions would follow if WAEC disregards the new deadline.
“Our intention is not to witch-hunt WAEC but to seek answers that will calm public anxiety and ensure these challenges don’t recur,” he said.
Oforji highlighted the unprecedented nature of the current exam disruptions, noting: “WAEC has conducted exams for decades, yet we have never experienced this level of disorganization. Something is clearly wrong, and it must be addressed.”
The lawmaker issued a final warning: “WAEC must appear unfailingly on Friday, May 30, 2025, or face legislative sanctions as provided by the Constitution.”
The summons comes amid growing public outcry over examination malpractices, logistical failures, and unusual scheduling that has seen some candidates writing papers late into the night.
