Members of the House of Representatives on Friday, May 30, turned away a delegation from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), insisting that only the Head of WAEC’s National Office can provide answers to the troubling issues surrounding the ongoing examinations.
The WAEC team, led by Senior Assistant Registrar Ambrose Okelezo, told the lawmakers that the Head of National Office was unavailable because he was overseeing exam printing, and could only appear before the committee on Monday.
But the lawmakers, visibly displeased, gave WAEC a 24-hour ultimatum to comply and show up.
Committee Chairman, Oforji Oboku, expressed regret to Nigerians over the chaotic conduct of the exams in several parts of the country.
“In Jalingo, the exam started at midnight,” Oboku said. “The trauma these children faced is hard to imagine. We must find out why this happened and make sure it never happens again.”
He stressed that since the government funds WAEC exams, “WAEC must organise exams properly. We want answers, not excuses.”
Okelezo acknowledged the glitches, admitting there were “delays and other challenges.” He explained that the Head of National Office had already met with key staff to address the situation and requested to appear on Monday to give a full account.
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However, the committee members were not convinced.
Hon. Awaji Abiante sharply criticised WAEC’s handling of the exams, saying, “He just told us he is not the right person to speak. Then why is he here? People in my village wrote exams at 12 a.m. or 1 a.m. Their question papers were even left with commercial drivers! This is incompetence.”
He also raised concerns about the proposed computer-based testing system, warning that many schools lacked the infrastructure and training to implement it effectively.
Trying to calm the mood in the room, Oboku said, “We want to deal with this seriously but not emotionally. The Head of WAEC will come on Monday as promised.”
Other lawmakers echoed the sentiment that only the top official could provide credible explanations.
“Education is very important. We must wait for the Head to appear and then discuss,” said Hon. Pascal Agbodike.
Hon. Osawaru added, “This is a national embarrassment. We must be careful and not accept anyone but the top person. I move that we do not listen to the WAEC deputies today and wait for the Head to come.”
The committee unanimously agreed and issued a formal directive for WAEC’s Head of National Office to appear before them by 2 p.m. on Monday.