By Chukwudi Obasi, Abuja
The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to appear before it over mounting complaints surrounding the ongoing Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).
Chairman of the Committee, Oboku Abonsizibe Oforji, handed down the ultimatum yesterday after WAEC failed to honour an earlier invitation to explain several reported irregularities in the nationwide examinations.
Oforji, in a statement released after the Committee’s scheduled session, said WAEC had been invited since May 27, to clarify widespread disruptions and anomalies in the conduct of the exams. He expressed disappointment that the examining body did not show up for Thursday’s hearing.
“We find WAEC’s absence unacceptable, especially at a time when public outcry over the conduct of the examinations is growing,” the lawmaker stated.
He revealed that the Committee has been inundated with disturbing reports, including incidents of students sitting for papers as late as midnight in some examination centres.
“The examinations have been riddled with serious irregularities,” Oforji said. “We’ve received credible complaints that candidates in several parts of the country are writing papers under conditions that are far from ideal—some as late as midnight. This is unprecedented.”
According to him, WAEC responded yesterday morning, citing its involvement in the ongoing exams as the reason for its inability to appear before the lawmakers. However, the chairman dismissed the explanation as ironic.
“That’s precisely why they need to be here,” he insisted. “The House deemed it necessary to summon them because the situation on the ground is deeply troubling. Candidates are under immense pressure, and the credibility of the examination process is at stake.”
Oforji stressed that the Committee’s intention is not to intimidate or witch-hunt WAEC but to address issues that could undermine the integrity of the examination and the mental well-being of the candidates.
“We expect WAEC to appear before the Committee unfailingly by May 30. If they fail to comply, we will be left with no choice but to invoke the constitutional powers of the House to enforce their appearance,” he warned.
He further noted that WAEC, as a long-standing examination body with decades of experience, is expected to uphold high standards of planning and coordination.
“This level of disorganisation is unacceptable. Something has gone wrong, and we intend to get to the bottom of it,” he concluded.
