Introduction
Nigeria’s House of Representatives has issued a strict 24-hour ultimatum to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) following widespread complaints about the ongoing Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE). Reports of students writing exams at midnight, poor coordination, and WAEC’s failure to address concerns have triggered a legislative intervention.
WAEC Faces 24-Hour Deadline to Explain Exam Chaos
The House Committee on Basic Education demanded WAEC’s immediate appearance after the council failed to show up at an earlier scheduled meeting. Initially invited on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, WAEC cited exam-related commitments as the reason for its absence—a justification that only fueled lawmakers’ frustration.
Hon. Oboku Abonsizibe Oforji, the committee chairman, expressed disappointment, stating:
“The same exams causing these problems are why we need WAEC here. Ignoring this summons only worsens public distrust.”
Students Forced to Write Exams at Midnight
Among the most shocking revelations were reports of students taking SSCE papers late into the night, with some exams stretching past midnight.
Oforji condemned the situation:
“This level of disorganization is unacceptable. WAEC has conducted exams for decades—why the sudden breakdown in 2025?”
Parents and students across Nigeria have voiced anger over the irregularities, calling for urgent reforms.
Lawmakers Demand Transparency and Solutions
The committee clarified that its goal is not to attack WAEC but to identify the root causes of this year’s SSCE failures and prevent future occurrences. However, Oforji warned that if WAEC ignores the Friday, May 30, 2025 summons, the House will enforce compliance through its constitutional powers.
“This is not a request—it’s an obligation. Nigerian students deserve better.”
For updates on this developing story, stay tuned to education news outlets and official government announcements.
