The House of Representatives has summoned the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to appear before it within 24 hours over the disorganised state of the ongoing Senior School Certificate Examination. This decision comes after reports revealed that some students were forced to write exams as late as midnight, raising serious concerns about WAEC’s handling of the examination process.
Oboku Oforji, Chairman of the House Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies, issued the ultimatum on Thursday, warning WAEC to show up on Friday, May 30, 2025. According to him, the council’s absence at the earlier scheduled meeting was a clear sign of disregard for the urgency of the situation.
Reps Summon WAEC for Failing to Explain Chaos
The committee had invited WAEC to clarify disturbing incidents, including exam delays, overnight papers, and unsafe conditions at various centres. But instead of responding, WAEC sent a message on Thursday morning claiming its officials were too busy managing the exams to attend the meeting.
“Their absence today is unacceptable,” Oforji said. “We invited WAEC to explain the problems being reported, including students writing exams as late as midnight in some centres. But that is exactly why they need to appear.”
The House is not accusing the council but demands accountability. “This level of confusion during national exams is unheard of. WAEC has conducted exams for years, but we’ve never seen this kind of disorganisation,” Oforji added.
Reps Summon WAEC Over Students’ Welfare and Public Outrage
WAEC’s silence and absence have only made things worse. Students and parents across the country have expressed anger over the poor planning, with some candidates sitting for their English paper at extremely late hours.
Groups such as the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and even political figures have condemned the situation. Atiku Abubakar recently called for a resit for affected students, while images from Taraba showed a collapsed examination hall injuring candidates.
Oforji noted that “if WAEC fails to appear by Friday, the House will be forced to use its constitutional powers to compel them.” He stressed that students deserve better and the future of education must not be treated with such carelessness.
Reps Summon WAEC Over Exam Confusion
The call by the House of Representatives to summon WAEC over the exam confusion highlights the growing frustration with how national exams are conducted. From students writing at midnight to halls collapsing, WAEC has failed to maintain its standards.
Reps summon WAEC not to punish but to demand transparency and restore public confidence. If the examination body does not show up to defend its actions, the House has promised to take further constitutional steps to hold it accountable.
