“WAEC in Darkness Is a National Disgrace”—Atiku Blasts Poor Exam Conditions
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the recent event in which Nigerian children were forced to take the West African Senior School Certificate Examination, WASSCE, in dark and inappropriate conditions, calling it a ‘national embarrassment.’
This occurred as the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies issued WAEC a 24-hour deadline to appear before it on Friday to answer concerns about the ongoing Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).
Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) lambasted WAEC for delaying the English Language examination in the present SSCE.
In a statement, Atiku called for quick action to fix the systemic flaws in Nigeria’s education sector.
He stated, “This is more than just a regrettable event; it is a damning indictment of our systemic failure to uphold the most fundamental norms in public education.”
“It is outrageous, illogical, and completely indefensible that in 2025, our children will be forced to take key national examinations in complete darkness as second-class citizens.
“Examination preparation is a shared obligation of students and examination authorities. In this scenario, it is clear that the latter has failed horribly in their responsibilities.
“I thus urge unambiguously that the affected examination paper be retaken in all compromised centers.
Anything less would be an injustice to the students whose futures are on the line.
“Going forward, it is imperative that relevant authorities establish and enforce minimum environmental and infrastructural standards for all high-stakes national examinations.”
Reps issue WAEC a 24-hour ultimatum to attend ongoing exams.
Oboku Oforji, chairman of the committee, issued the ultimatum yesterday after WAEC failed to respond to a previous request to appear before the panel.
According to Oforji, the committee had asked WAEC to explain the extensive allegations and anomalies witnessed during the ongoing tests.
In a statement, Oforji recalled that on May 27, 2025, the committee extended an invitation to WAEC to seek clarity on several difficulties affecting exam administration across the country.
He expressed concern with WAEC’s absence from yesterday’s scheduled hearing, describing it as unacceptable given the level of public outrage over the tests’ conduct.
“The tests were replete with major anomalies. We’ve received reports that students are writing tests as late as midnight in certain centers around the country.
“The House felt compelled to summon WAEC to explain these developments and the trauma that candidates are currently experiencing.” However, WAEC answered this morning, stating that they were unable to attend due to their engagement in the ongoing exams. Ironically, this is exactly why we are asking them to appear.”
NANS condemns WAEC for the delay in drafting the English paper owing to alleged leaks.
In a statement issued yesterday by the National Public Relations Officer, Adeyemi Ajasa, the group said, “We strongly condemn WAEC for the unreasonable delay of the English Language paper on Wednesday, reportedly due to the leakage of examination questions.”
“This event, which resulted in the examination being postponed from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., indicates a terrible amount of insensitivity and a disrespect for the safety and well-being of Nigerian students, particularly those in rural regions.
“The choice to schedule examinations at such late hours endangers students, many of whom must travel dangerously to and from examination centers, but it also disturbs their psychological preparation and undermines the process’s integrity. WAEC, being a long-standing examination organization, is intended to be an example of professionalism, preparation, and efficiency. The numerous instances of examination paper leaking are a strong indicator of systemic flaws in WAEC’s security measures and operations.
“NANS strongly believes that these lapses tarnish the credibility of our educational system and unfairly burden Nigerian students, who are already grappling with numerous challenges.”
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