The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education Examination Bodies has requested the guidelines and a detailed report on the administration of the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The request followed the adoption of a motion by Representative Mary Ibikake (PDP-Bayelsa) during an investigative hearing held by the committee on Monday in Abuja.
The hearing addressed the challenges that marred the conduct of the 2025 examination by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) in certain parts of the country.
Among the issues highlighted was the situation where some candidates sat the English Language paper at approximately 9 p.m. without adequate lighting.
Committee Chairman, Representative Oboku Oforji (PDP-Bayelsa), emphasised that the committee and indeed all Nigerians, particularly the parents of the affected candidates deserved a thorough explanation.
He recalled that the committee had previously demanded an explanation for the poor management of the WAEC examinations, which sparked widespread public outcry and condemnation nationwide.
“This committee seeks clarity; parents and Nigerians want answers. We owe them a duty of care. To whom much is given, much is expected. Funds were appropriated by parliament specifically for the conduct of these examinations.
“We are not seeking to overreact, but as I stated at the last meeting, it is essential to understand both the immediate and underlying causes of the unacceptable conduct of the examinations. By doing so, we may prevent a recurrence,” he said.
In response, the Head of WAEC Nigeria, Dr Amos Dangut, apologised to Nigerians, parents, candidates, and all stakeholders for the disruption.
Dangut attributed the issues to logistical challenges arising from the need to set and print replacement questions after a prior leak, to ensure fairness.
He explained that WAEC’s internal printing press was operating at only 50 per cent capacity, necessitating engagement with external vendors, which contributed to the security breach
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The official noted that difficulties occurred during the overnight distribution of examination papers, with some vehicles breaking down in challenging terrain.
He confirmed that a formal investigation had begun and that legal action would be taken against any individuals found culpable.
Contrary to some reports, Dangut clarified that candidates were not denied access to food or necessary breaks.
He further stated that, working with schools and parents, WAEC provided alternative lighting sources such as rechargeable lamps, torches, candles, and mobile phone lights to assist affected candidates.
The WAEC chief assured that investments had been made to ensure the internal printing press operates at full capacity to avert future incidents.
In his concluding remarks, the committee chairman urged the examination body to implement measures to prevent a recurrence of such an embarrassing situation.
