The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies has summoned the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to urgently explain the widespread irregularities disrupting the ongoing 2025 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).
WAEC officials are expected to appear before the committee on Friday, May 30, following complaints from students and educators across the country about delayed exams and chaotic schedules.
The committee, chaired by Oboku Abonsizibe Oforji, issued a 24-hour ultimatum after WAEC failed to honour an earlier invitation on May 27.
One of the major flashpoints came on May 28, when the all-important English Language paper was delayed for hours in several centres, forcing many students to sit for the exam late into the evening. The incident sparked outrage among parents, teachers, and candidates, who accused WAEC of poor planning and disregard for student welfare.
WAEC attributed the disruption to new anti-leakage protocols aimed at securing exam integrity. However, the council admitted that the logistics required to implement these measures caused unexpected delays.
Chairman Oforji criticized WAEC’s no-show at the May 29 hearing, calling it “unacceptable” given the magnitude of the issues at hand. He said the council must explain why exam schedules were altered without proper notice and how it intends to prevent further disruptions.
The 2025 WASSCE began on April 24 and is scheduled to end on June 20.
