The House of Representatives has resolved to launch a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the administration of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) at midnight in some parts of Nigeria.
Hon. Oboku Oforji, Chairman of the House Committee on Basic Examination Bodies, disclosed this during an interactive session with officials of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) held at the National Assembly.
He stressed the need for accountability, noting that Nigerian parents deserve a detailed explanation on why their children’s safety was jeopardized during such an essential academic exercise.
WAEC officials were summoned before the committee following troubling reports of anomalies in the conduct of the ongoing exams.
Hon. Oforji used the opportunity to extend an apology to parents and citizens for the unsettling developments, particularly the reports of exams being conducted in the middle of the night in some areas.
“In Jalingo, there were reports that an examination commenced at around 12 midnight. This is deeply troubling. One can only imagine the psychological toll on the affected students. We owe the public a duty of responsibility, and we must ensure such incidents do not recur,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of WAEC, the Senior Assistant Registrar and Zonal Coordinator, Ambrose Okelezo, told the lawmakers that the Head of WAEC Nigeria was unable to appear due to an emergency meeting with the Registrar and heads of other national offices.
He appealed for the hearing to be postponed until Monday, to enable the WAEC boss appear and provide the necessary clarifications.
However, members of the committee were not satisfied with the explanation. Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante (PDP–Rivers) criticized the absence, stating that WAEC had no authority to dictate how and when it would engage with the legislature.
“He just admitted he’s not the right person to brief us. So why is he here?” Abiante asked. “In my constituency, where there’s no electricity, students were made to sit exams at midnight and even later. Some of them called me in tears. We heard of exam materials being left in a passenger tricycle. This is nothing short of scandalous.”
Hon. Billy Osawaru (PDP–Edo) also expressed frustration, backing Abiante’s concerns. He moved a motion, seconded by Abiante, that the hearing be postponed until the WAEC Head appears in person.
The motion was unanimously carried, with the committee resolving to reconvene on Monday, June 2, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.
