The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies has expressed deep dissatisfaction with the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) over a slew of irregularities that marred recent national examinations, describing the situation as a national embarrassment.
At an investigative hearing held on Monday, June 2, 2025, lawmakers confronted the Head of WAEC Nigeria, Dr. Amos Josiah Dangut, over widespread operational failures, which they argued have significantly undermined public confidence in Nigeria’s examination processes.
Chairman of the committee, Hon. Oforji Oboku (Yenagoa/Opokuma Federal Constituency, Bayelsa State), opened the session with a scathing critique of the council’s conduct, while commending fellow lawmakers for attending the session in spite of tight schedules.
“This oversight meeting is a testament to our collective determination to salvage the integrity of our education system,” Oboku stated. “We owe Nigerian parents, guardians, and students an apology for the dysfunction that characterized the last WAEC examinations. It is our duty to ensure this disgrace does not repeat itself.”
Recounting insights from a previous engagement with the West African Examinations Council on May 30, Oboku decried disturbing revelations, including reports that some candidates were forced to write exams late at night using torchlights due to logistical mishaps.
“It’s unthinkable that in this day and age, students are writing exams at 11 p.m. under torchlight,” he said. “This isn’t merely a logistical error, it reflects a deep leadership crisis.”
Oboku clarified that the probe was not a vendetta but a genuine effort to uncover the root causes of repeated examination failures and restore credibility to the process.
“What we seek is not scapegoats, but solutions. Those responsible must be held accountable, and systemic weaknesses must be addressed with urgency,” he noted.
The atmosphere turned tense as lawmakers unleashed a barrage of questions and criticisms at Dr. Dangut, with some accusing WAEC of habitual negligence and poor planning.
One visibly upset lawmaker exclaimed, “Admit your failure to Nigerians. If you must shed tears, do so. But when you’re done, be honourable enough to resign.”
The committee also dismissed WAEC’s proposed nationwide rollout of computer-based testing (CBT) by 2026 as unrealistic. Legislators argued that most communities lack the basic infrastructure required to support such a transition.
“You’re talking about CBT like you have the infrastructure ready,” one lawmaker retorted. “It’s like saying you have a vehicle and a driver, but no roads. That’s not readiness, that’s delusion.”
Another member added, “How can we talk of CBT when many schools don’t even have electricity? Let’s be truthful, this is not feasible without foundational infrastructure.”
Calling for a national education summit, the committee urged a comprehensive audit of secondary school infrastructure, particularly in underserved areas. Members lamented WAEC’s inability to provide a reliable database of ICT-compliant schools, warning that planning in the dark was a recipe for repeated failure.
Beyond technical issues, the lawmakers voiced concern over Nigeria’s deteriorating image in the region due to these exam-related shortcomings.
“Our neighbours in West Africa ridicule us,” one legislator said. “To think that Nigeria, the so-called giant of Africa, is now conducting examinations in torchlight conditions, it’s beyond embarrassing. It’s disgraceful.”
Moral accountability was also brought into focus, with lawmakers suggesting that resignations should follow where institutional lapses have become habitual.
“This goes beyond administrative blunders, it reflects a deeper moral failing,” a member said. “When leadership can no longer inspire trust, stepping aside is the honourable thing to do.”
Despite their criticisms, lawmakers reiterated that they do not advocate the dissolution of the West African Examinations Council but rather a complete overhaul of its operations.
“We’re not calling for WAEC to be scrapped,” a member clarified. “But sweeping reforms are urgently needed. We cannot afford to toy with the futures of nearly two million students.”
In his defense, Dr. Dangut attributed some of the failures to security challenges and unexpected logistical hurdles. However, lawmakers largely rejected his explanations, pressing him for actionable solutions rather than excuses.
Following deliberations, the committee passed several resolutions, including a directive for WAEC to submit a detailed audit of its digital infrastructure, particularly in rural and underserved regions, and a roadmap outlining its readiness for CBT deployment.
The council was also mandated to provide the National Assembly with its operational protocols and all reports relating to examination malpractices and leakages.
Closing the session, Hon. Oboku issued a stark warning: “This is a pivotal moment. We must insist on transparency, competence, and genuine reform. Education is too vital to be mismanaged. The future of our nation rests on the success of our children.”
