The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies has issued a stern 24-hour ultimatum to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), demanding its appearance by Friday, May 30, 2025. This decisive action comes after WAEC failed to honor an earlier invitation to address mounting concerns and reported irregularities surrounding the ongoing Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).
Committee Chairman Oboku Oforji expressed profound disappointment with WAEC's absence from the scheduled hearing on Thursday, May 29, deeming it unacceptable in light of widespread public outcry. Oforji revealed that the Committee had extended an invitation to WAEC on Tuesday, May 27, seeking urgent clarification on numerous issues disrupting the examination process nationwide. He highlighted alarming reports, including instances of students reportedly taking exams as late as midnight in certain centers, underscoring the "trauma candidates are currently facing."
WAEC's stated reason for its non-appearance, citing its involvement in the ongoing exams, was met with incredulity by the Committee, with Oforji pointing out the irony that this very involvement was the reason for the summons. The chairman stressed that while the Committee's intention is not to "witch-hunt WAEC," it seeks answers to alleviate public tension and prevent future occurrences of such unprecedented disorganization. He emphasized WAEC's long history of conducting exams without this level of disruption, indicating that "something is clearly wrong" and requires immediate attention.
Oforji firmly warned that failure to comply with the Friday ultimatum would compel the lawmakers to invoke the constitutional powers of the House to ensure WAEC's appearance and compliance, hinting at potential legislative sanctions. The Committee's resolve signals a serious commitment to addressing the reported irregularities and restoring public confidence in the integrity of the SSCE.
